Overview
Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the best climbing in the country, attracting avid climbers from around the world. With unrivaled views of the Continental Divide, great weather and beautiful rock, it’s hard to beat. The Mountain Guides Colorado offers a wide variety of climbing adventures. From multi-pitch routes above the town of Estes Park to overnight adventures, there’s something for everyone. Lumpy Ridge provide climbers with the opportunity to ascend clean granite cracks with a view of the famous Diamond on Longs Peak. Climbing near the Continental Divide on features like Hallett, Spearhead and The Sharkstooth give experienced climbers a chance at once in a life time summits.
While most trips will only require one day, some of these bucket-list summits will require an overnight to complete. Most climbs require prior multi-pitch experience, but Lumpy Ridge is a great place for beginners.
Types Multi Day Trips - Rock Climbing - Single Day Trips
Season Spring-Summer-Fall
Elevation 8,000-14,000 feet
Minimum Age 12
Trip Planner
Itinerary
Multi-pitch climbing on Lumpy Ridge involves a beautiful hike below the formations with views of the high peaks and the Continental Divide. This South facing area offers comfortable climbing conditions during much of the year. You’ll meet your guide the Lumpy Ridge trail head early enough to accommodate your goals for the day. Routes are chosen based on your ability and goals.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers unparalleled alpine climbing objectives, often requiring a very early start with complex navigation made infinitely easier and safer with the use of a guide. After the adventure of finding the route in the early morning hours, prepare to gain increasingly impressive vistas of the Park’s topography, including the Continental Divide. Overnight trips may be required for some objectives. Prior climbing experience or prerequisite instruction is required.
Hallett Peak is a North Facing Wall above Emerald Lake in the spectacular Tyndall Gorge. This face offers classic moderate routes like the unforgettable Culp-Bossier 5.8 III. With a relatively short approach, this summertime objective is a very popular destination. Add the true summit at 12,713′ for extra value!
Sharkstooth is one the highest summits in the Cathedral Spires group but is accessed via Andrew’s Creek and The Gash. With a stunning 12,630′ summit near the Continental Divide, this alpine climb allows access to its views via 5.6 III climbing. Overnight suggested.
Spearhead is a beautiful fin of perfect granite nestled in upper Glacier Gorge. The formation is surrounded by some of the most impressive peaks in the Park, including Longs Peak and its serrated SW ridgeline called The Keyboard of the Winds. The North Ridge route 5.6 II ascends incredible rock for 7 memorable pitches. Overnight suggested.
Pricing
Lumpy Ridge $425 private, $300/person for two, $225/person for groups of 3 or more.
Single Day Alpine Rock $575 private, $400/person for two, $350/person for groups of 3 or more.
Overnight $950 private, $650/person for two, $550/person for groups of 3 or more.
Please note that this trip cannot be booked directly online – please fill out the inquiry form and we will contact you shortly.
Please read through our policies by visiting this page.
Equipment
For your safety and comfort, bring synthetic and or natural fiber clothing for insulation. Cotton is NOT recommended and down must be kept dry. Clothing should be able to layer without encumbering your movement.
Footwear
Objective Dependent – Salewa footwear is available at Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for rent. JHMG also carries a selection of Five Ten Rock shoes for rent.
- Sticky Rubber Approach Shoes or Hiking Boots. Trips before mid July and those with extensive snow require a lightweight mountaineering boot (not a plastic boot). Guide Pick: Salewa Wildfire Pro or Salewa Firetail 3
- Rock Shoes for technical rock routes (Available for rent)
- Socks: 1 – 2 pair: sized for your boots and blister prevention
Upper Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Top. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman 1/2 zip
- Synthetic T-shirt – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Metonic Short Sleeve
- Insulating Jacket: lightweight down or synthetic – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Dynotherm Down Jacket
- Soft Shell/ Wind Jacket. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Super Chockstone Jacket
- Rain Jacket: waterproof/breathable with hood. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Quasar Lite or Exponent Jacket
Bottom Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Bottom Guide Pick: Mountain Hrdwear Butterman Tight
- Hiking Short or Pant for approach – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Chockstone short
- Synthetic Climbing Pant – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Toren Pant
- Rain Pant – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Exponent Pant
Accessories
- Hat: lightweight to medium weight warm hat – sleek enough to be worn under a helmet
- Gloves: one lightweight to medium weight pair – synthetic or fleece material. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Plasmic Glove
- Gaiters: only until mid-July
On the Trail
- Back Pack: internal frame 30 Liter capacity (2000 cu in) Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30
- Water Bottles (2-3 L/Qt.) Or H2O Hydration system
- Dark Sunglasses
- Extra Pair Contact Lens
- Sun Hat or visor
- Sunscreen (35+SPF)
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent (until early August)
- Headlamp, Fresh batteries
- First Aid: minimal – blister care, analgesic, etc.
- Lunch and Snacks
Optional Items
- Trekking Poles
- Camera
Cold Weather Considerations:
Early and late season temperatures require warmer clothing. You may consider additional clothing if you get cold easily or if it is unusually cold or windy.
- Down Jacket
- Vest
- Medium weight long underwear
**Jackson Hole Mountain Guides supplies all the rock climbing gear, harnesses, helmets, locking carabiners & belay/rappel devices, crampons, and ice axes. However, you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Please coordinate with our office for gear checks. Backpacks, rock shoes, and boots can all be rented & purchased in our Jackson office.
For a printable version of this list, please click below:
Footwear
Our multi-day trips expand a variety of different types of terrain. If you have questions about footwear, please contact our office and we will answer all of your questions.
Lightweight Mountaineering Boot – Trips in the before mid-July and those including extensive snow climbing (e.g. Gannett, Granite) require a lightweight mountaineering boot NOT a plastic boot.
- Guide Pick: (Early Season) Salewa Crow GTX
- Guide Pick: (Mid-Late Season Gannett or Granite) Salewa Mountain Trainer
- Guide Pick (Mid-Late Season Technical Multi Day) Salewa Firetail 3 GTX and ask if your objective might require technical rock shoes
- 4 pair of wool socks and blister prevention
Upper Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Top Guide Pick:Mountain Hardwear Butterman Hooded
- Synthetic T-shirt Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Metonic
- Insulating Jacket: lightweight down or synthetic – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Dynotherm Jacket
- Soft Shell: fleece or pile Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear A-therm Jacket
- Rain Jacket: waterproof/breathable with hood. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Quasar Light II Jacket
Bottom Layers
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Bottom Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman Tight
- Hiking Short or Pant for approach Guide Pick:Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Hike Short
- Synthetic Climbing Pant – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear- Toren Pant
- Rain Pant – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Exponent Pant
Accessories
- Hat: lightweight to medium weight warm hat – sleek enough to be worn under a helmet
- Gloves: 2 Pair – one lightweight pair and to medium weight pair – Synthetic but able to belay and have good dexterity. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Plasmic Gloves
- Gaiters: only until mid-July
On the trail
- Large Pack- Internal frame only 70L+ Minumum for 5-6 day trips – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear- South Col 70 Outdry .
- Medium Pack -Internal frame only, 50L+ for 2-4 day trips. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Directissima 50
- Small Summit Packs – For 2 and 3 day technical multi-day trips (Grand/Cathedral Traverse) Must be large enough to fit all your personal gear plus ten pounds of food and water. Some trips will require an additional small summit pack for Technical Rock Climbs or summit days – Guide pick: Mountain Harwdwear Summit Rocket 30
- Water Bottles (2-3 L/Qt.) or H2O hydration system
- Water Treatment tablets
- Lightweight Bowl
- Insulated Mug
- Spoon and Fork
- Stuff Sacks: zip lock bags
- Dark Sunglasses
- Extra Contact Lenses
- Sun Hat or Visor
- Sunscreen (35+SPF)
- Lip Balm
- Headlamp and Fresh Batteries
- First Aid – minimal: blister care, analgesic, etc.
- Lunch, snacks & drink mix
- Misc Items: minimal: light knife, camera,
buff, camp suds, wash cloth, etc.
Some trips require (please inquire with JHMG):
- Sleeping Bag: 20 degree – Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Extra Lamina +20 Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad: Closed-cell foam or Thermarest
Recommended & Optional Items
- Trekking Poles
- Camera and batteries, spare memory card
- Insoles: custom or after market
- Bear Spray
- Insect Repellent (Ask the office if this is necessary)
- Headnet (Ask the office if this is necessary)
- Camp Shoe – lightweight
Cold Weather Considerations:
Early and late season temperatures require warmer clothing. You may consider additional clothing if you get cold easily or if it is unusually cold or windy.
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Extra down vest or jacket
- Expedition weight long underwear
- Extra gloves
**The Mountain Guides supplies all the rock climbing gear, harnesses, helmets, locking carabiners & belay/rappel devices, crampons, and ice axes. However, you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Please coordinate with our office for gear checks. Backpacks, rock shoes, and boots can all be rented & purchased in our Jackson office.
For your safety and comfort, bring synthetic and or natural fiber clothing for insulation. Cotton
is NOT recommended and down must be kept dry. Clothing should be able to layer without
encumbering movement.
Talk To Us
Here you’ll find online tools and information about joining us for a trip of a lifetime! To sign up for a trip, or if you have any questions, please call us. Listed on the left side of these pages are links that you may find useful, including printable forms and policies concerning a trip with JHMG. We encourage ALL prospective climbers to read our Preparation advice. Our office can help place you with others who are looking to climb.
