Posts Tagged ‘Eldorado Canyon’

Rock Climbing – West Ridge, Eldorado Canyon

Saturday, June 23rd, 2012

Clare Leading Washington Irving

On Saturday, I led a CMC Rock Climbing Trip to the West Ridge of Eldorado Canyon. I love the West Ridge for it’s assortment of moderate climbs.

Rick Climbing
Rick was my co-leader, helping me to set up climbs and keep things flowing smoothly. We had Jorge, Chris, Nick, Roger, and Chris.

Chris Climbing Washington Irving
We focused our attention on Washington Irving, The Unsaid (TR), Positively Fourth Street (TR), Lunar Avenue (TR), and Dr. Michael Solar. When we finished, the temperature was hovering near 100dF, so we decided to call it a day.

Rock Climbing, Ytrid Deed, Eldorado Canyon, CO

Sunday, June 10th, 2012

Doug Cleaning Pitch 2 Ytrid Deed
Doug High Up on Ytrid Deed

It was a beautiful day to be climbing in Eldorado Canyon. In the shade, on the West side of Redgarden, it was a bit chilly. With temps between 50 dF and 60 dF, we were relieved there wasn’t any wind. I was excited to do Ytrid Deed. Having done Icarus and Swanson’s Arete, I had been staring at the huge swath of rock in between and wondering about the fractured cracks. (more…)

Rock Climbing – Swanson’s Arete, Eldorado Canyon, CO

Friday, May 18th, 2012

On Friday, I led a CMC (Colorado Mountain Club) climb up Swanson’s Arete on the Redgarden formation. Jeffrey and I had now each led the first pitch up the West Chimney. We had it dialed and we were eager beavers for the summit.

The challenge was to take two lucky individuals past the Red Ledge, up the arete proper, rappel to the ground, and back to the car in a safe and efficient manner. Would we make it to the top before afternoon weather? Would our ropes get caught in the Dirty Deed rappel? Would we have to leave gear? Questions were about to be answered! (more…)

Rock Climbing – Swanson’s Arete, Eldorado Canyon, CO

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Jeffrey and Clare at Start of Swanson's Arete (5.5)
Jeffrey and I climbed Swanson’s Arete. The last time we attempted the route, we had to bail because of high winds. This time, we showed up midday and, thankfully, we were blessed with excellent weather. We started climbing around 2:30pm and finished at 8pm, in the dark! (more…)

Rock Climbing – Swanson’s Arete – High Winds…Bailed!

Friday, April 6th, 2012

Clare After Rappelling West Chimney Jeffrey Still Happy Even Though We Bailed
Jeff and I attempted a spring ascent of Swanson’s Arete. It had been a couple years since I did the route, so I was looking forward to another romp up.

Unfortunately, as we ascended the west side of the Redgarden formation, it got increasing windy. By the time we got to the base, it was a little gusty. After all that stair stepping just to get to the start, we really both wanted to give it a shot. So, we did!

Jeffrey on the Red Ledge
Here’s Jeffrey topping out on the West Chimney Pitch. He did the pitch in about 20 minutes, removing the pro and climbing. Not too shabby!

We decided to call it a day, when we got to the base of Swanson’s and the gusts were non-stop. We met a crazy youth, out climbing with his sister, who still ventured upward…but we decided to play it safe. I think we made the right choice, to save it for another day. The rappel would have been extra gnarly with all that wind…!