Eldorado Canyon Rock Climbing

I had the opportunity to climb in the Eldorado Canyon. The route Wind Ridge is on the rock formation known as Wind Tower which is about 300 feet tall.

This is the 3 pitch climb!

Getting my gear on

Route Description

Pitch 1 (5.8) From the trail walk to the left end of the tower. There are two ways to start this pitch. Either go up the somewhat overhanging awkward flake (5.8) or go left the obvious wide gully and traverse right onto the face (5.5). The 5.8 start is highly recommended as it takes good pro and is more sporty. Once you top onto the flake go around the corner on the west face. From this point on climbing eases and follows a crack with good holds and pro to a large ledge, belay here on gear.

Pitch 2 (5.6) Go to your right and get into the crack which is the hardest move of this pitch. Follow the crack which becomes wider higher up. Save your biggest pieces for the last part of this pitch. Belay from the large ledge which almost looks like a cave. There is a 4th class walk-off option from this point to your left.

Pitch 3 (5.6+) I thought surmounting the weird roof and flake on the opening of this pitch was the hardest move of the entire climb. There are not many places for pro and holds above the roof. But the climbing eases, and reaches the summit at a tree. Belay from the tree and watch out for all the loose rock around.

Descent

Traverse the rigde to your left on exposed slabs. Angle down to a notch but don't go too far low to your right. You will traverse below a rock formation and find the 2 bolt rappel station. A short rappel will bring you down to the trail. Walk back to the base of the route.