Fun Climbs Around The World

Tristan Hechtel on The Nose, Monitor Rock (5.6)

Now that it’s getting hot in the Valleys, it’s time to head for the high country. While temperatures near Boulder remain in the tolerable 80s this week, soon they’ll reach 90s or more, and Independence Pass has some of the best summer climbing and camping in Colorado. Monitor Rock has the longest routes at Independence Pass.

The Nose, a five to six-pitch route, is especially fun, with straightforward climbing, a great view and an easy descent. The climbing gets easier as one climbs further up the route and belay ledges are spacious.

Parking and Approach

Park at the second pullout on the left, across from the trailhead. Hike toward Monitor Rock, passing a sign, until a faint climber’s trail branches right. Follow this trail, which involves some scrambling, toward the southeast side of Monitor Rock.

Approach: 7 - 10 minutes

The Nose 5.6 ***

Scramble to the right side of the Butt Wall. The Nose is 30 feet to the right of Matillda, in a corner with a small tree (5 - 10 ft) about 30 feet up. Follow the groove to a larger tree on the skyline. The first pitch, on polished rock, is the hardest pitch on the climb. Continue up easier cracks and grooves for four or five pitches to the top.

Descent

Walk along the top to the north end of the rock. Scramble down through trees and shrub to the west side of Monitor Rock.

Please comment if you’ve climbed at Monitor and have any beta about your favorite climbs. Click the red number right of the title to comment.