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Summary
Quality routes on excellent rock make Thunder Ridge one of Colorado's best granite climbing areas.
Description
Thunder Ridge is a gem of an area first developed by Steve Cheyney, Kevin McLaughlin, Glenn Schuler and Mike Johnson in the late 1990's. Home to plentiful routes and boulder problems on phenomenal stone, it's a granite paradise
Access issues
Thunder is a very special place, but it's proximity to private land (the approach crosses private property) means that continued access to the area depends on how well climber's respect and adhere to the fragile access terms that were thankfully negotiated between local route developers and land owners. When visiting Thunder Ridge it is vital that one refrain from camping at the signed parking area, hike only on the road beyond the gate, and at all times remain quiet and respectful of land owners in the area.
Approach
From the Abbey Road turn-off into the town of Westcreek (14.1 miles north of Woodland Park on CO-67), drive 0.2 miles to a T-intersection and take a left. In 0.5 miles, take a right hand turn to head west on Stump Road. Stay on Stump for 2.0 miles past Sheep Nose and take the next right onto Nine-J Road. Follow Nine-J for 5.2 miles to where the road ends at 2 gated access roads. Park here on the left. DO NOT DRIVE OR MOUNTAIN BIKE BEYOND THIS POINT. The approach from here MUST be on foot along the left of the two access roads, following the access road past numerous homes until one reaches a sharp 90 degree turn in the road to the right. At this point, two-track continues straight on from the turn, stay on this until a climber's trail branches off to the right. This is the main access trail for Thunder Ridge, and you will follow it up toward the obvious formations that make up the area.
Where to stay
Camping is permitted along Nine-9 Road ONLY in the still forested area along the first 3 miles from the intersection with Stump Road. Please adhere to forest service signs and park and camp only in designated spots. If no camping can be found off of Nine-9, the next closest spots are to be found along CR-51 on the aproach to Turkey Rocks.
Ethic
Thunder Ridge was developed in the South Platte way - a ground-up ethic that only called for placing bolts when natural protection wasn't an option. Expect mixed pro routes that are fun, challenging and tailored to folks who don't feel that a bolt is needed every 2 meters.
Plan your Trip
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Selected Guidebooks more Hide
Author(s): Derek A. Wolfe
Date: 2021
ISBN: 9781734911220
Everything you need to explore this idyllic range, the Colorado's Elk Range Mountains guidebook is a tome of high-altitude ascents in the rugged Rockies between Aspen and Crested Butte.
- Includes 200+ routes on 51 peaks over 13,000 ft.
- Covers hikes, scrambles, snow/rock climbs and technical routes
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Author(s): Gerry Roach
Date: 2022
ISBN: 9781641607759
Providing accurate and comprehensive info, the 4th edition of Fulcrum Colorado's Fourteeners includes standard, alternate and technical routes for all 58 peaks over 14,000 ft. in the Centennial state.
- Updated to include up-to-date topographic maps, GPS coordinates, expanded route details and alterations to trail access
- Multiple tables and appendices summarize features for quick reference
- Author Gerry Roach shares his expertise from over 50 years of mountaineering
- Includes full colour photos and 31 maps
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Author(s): Matt Payne and Bob Rosebrough
Date: 2022
ISBN: 9781937052775
- Colorado Mountain Club:
- Climbing Colorado's San Juans is a treasure trove of adventures ranging from easy scrambles for the outdoor novice to advanced, technical ascents of staggering summits for seasoned peakbaggers.
- Chapters are organized into 13 mountain subgroups
- Covers nearly 300 routes and 200 peaks—including 13 of Colorado's 54 fourteeners and 29 of its highest Centennial peaks
- Includes key intel, maps, color photos and storied explanations of San Juan mountain's climbing history
ⓘ
Accommodations nearby more Hide
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Fri 5 May
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