Alpine Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Things to know

• Covid measures in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, please refer to Colorado’s COVID-19 travel updates and Rocky Mountain National Park’s Current Conditions.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 6-12+ hours of climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
    • All technical climbing gear

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Food and drinks
• How fit do I need to be?

  All alpine climbs are physically demanding. Mountain days are long, low-intensity exercise.
  A course that is too hard will be less enjoyable for you. Work on your fitness by walking up hills or in the gym—strength exercises (squats, step-ups, stair-climbing with a rucksack) are useful for improving your endurance.

  Intermediate and advanced alpine and ice climbs require a good level of fitness, as well as a specific skill set, such as usage of equipment, efficient travel strategies in glaciated terrain, basic snow/ice movement skills, and basic crevasse rescue techniques. The alpine terrain can be challenging and the weather unpredictable. Also, the altitude can really catch people off guard, so for a 72-hour period before your trip begins, ensure that you are consuming sufficient amounts of sodium and fluids. You should arrive with a healthy desire for enduring mountain conditions. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best-hidden gems the area has to offer.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb. Still, keep in mind—all alpine climbs are physically demanding, so make sure you’re prepared for it!

  Mountain days are long, low-intensity exercise, which is hard to replicate in short gym sessions, so you should work on your endurance with strength exercises (squats, step-ups, stair-climbing with a rucksack). With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun!

• What about required equipment?

  All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device
    • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
    • Crampons
    • Ice axe — depending on the chosen itinerary/season
    • Ropes
    • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
    • Headlamp

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • Fleece or wool hat
    • Balaclava and a buff
    • Neck gaiter
    • Hardshell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
    • Expedition-weight bottoms
    • Lightweight wind shell
    • Down or synthetic jacket with hood
    • Long-sleeved base layer
    • Gloves — lightweight synthetic, windstopper gloves, big mountain gloves and mittens
    • Long base layer pants
    • Lightweight trekking pants
    • Expedition-weight bottoms
    • Hardshell pants
    • Softshell pants (wind-proof or wind-resistant)
    • Quick-dry shorts
    • Leg gaiters
    • Liner socks, hiker socks and warm socks
    • Mountaineering boots that work with crampons
    • Hiking shoes
    • An internal frame backpacks (about 35-45L)
    • Chemical hand and toe warmers
    • Glacier glasses and goggles — optional, but recommended
    • Water bottle or hydration pack
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • Pocket knife
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, blister kit, toilet paper, pee bottle, etc.)
    • Camera — optional
• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The max guest-to-guide size for these climbs is 2:1.
    • Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

  Climbing days in Rocky Mountain National Park can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors as young as 14 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Rocky Mountain National Park, most people fly into Denver International Airport 1,5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car and drive northwest for 80 miles or take the Estes Park Shuttle, which runs frequent routes from the airport to the town of Estes Park, the headquarters of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be near the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.