Notchtop Peak, located in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, is an excellent introduction to alpine rock climbing in the Colorado Rockies. One of the classics like the Spiral Route combines a scenic approach through the forested slopes to some moderate technical climbing on exposed alpine terrain and finishes with a spectacular summit before doing a few exciting rappels to descend.

This makes Notchtop a great choice for hikers who are interested in progressing into technical alpine climbs or rock climbers who want to progress beyond traditional cragging and experience a full alpine climbing day. The route is approachable for experienced rock climbers who are comfortable learning new skills and hikers or backpackers looking to improve their technical skills. This makes it a good introductory alpine climb before committing to bigger routes like Spearhead or Petit Grepon.

With a Colorado Climbing Company guide, climbers can learn how to apply their existing rock climbing skills in a larger mountain environment. A guided climb of Notchtop Peak generally requires applying alpine route finding skills, efficient movement over varied terrain, climbing in exposed settings, and managing the changing conditions common to Rocky Mountain National Park for a full value day of alpine climbing.