So I missed a chance to boulder with Eli last weekend in RMNP for a couple of reasons but I and three others decided to visit the Monastery near Drake, Colorado. None of us had been there before but we knew the approach had a stout reputation and the parking lot camping prone to late night bonfire parties. On both counts we weren’t denied although the high schoolers weren’t too noisy and the hike only took 35 minutes (not bad for a group of flatlanders). I was amazed at the beauty of the place especially the great views of Long’s Peak to the west. I was appalled at the amount of trash at the parking especially since there was a “crag clean up” only two months ago.
We found the climbing to be reminiscent of the Needles, sharp crystal pinching up steep slabs. While we did get in a few fun routes I doubt I’ll go back. It just didn’t strike me as a destination crag. I think the only reason I’d go back would be to take more photos. Here’s a couple shots of Andrew and Al climbing Tabula Rasa.
Cool, glad you had a nice trip. Those photos turned out great. Yeah, it seems like the central corridor of the Monastery would be really is good if you can could climb pretty hard (5.13-14). The outlying areas do have a lot of moderates.
Glad to see you're joining our blogosphere, Doug. My thoughts on the Monestary are pretty similar. Although one aspect of the climbing there I really enjoyed was the lack of chalk mapping out the lines. The route-finding there is also compounded by the fact that all the crystals look the same. You really have to feel out the rock.
Hey Doug! I enjoyed the Monestary the few times I visited. There were definitely some gems there. A bit of trivia: I proposed to Sara at the top of the route Bride, which is on Wedding Rock in The Lion's Den (unbeknownst to her until reaching the top). How could you say no given those circumstances? Though, if she had said no, then it would've been an even longer hike out!
Great story Kris, I hadn't heard that before. I agree that there are a few sweet routes hidden in there. As Eli alluded to most of the better routes are probably in the more difficult range.