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climber follows up the first pitch of Captain Roo's

NW Face of Thatchtop Guided Ice Climb

NW Face of Thatchtop Guided Ice Climb

A committing winter alpine climb in Rocky Mountain National Park

A committing winter alpine climb in Rocky Mountain National Park

NW Face of Thatchtop Guided Ice Climb

A committing winter alpine climb in Rocky Mountain National Park

The NW Face of Thatchtop is a serious winter alpine climbing objective in Rocky Mountain National Park. This guided climb combines approach fitness, snow travel, ice or mixed climbing, and careful mountain decision making.

The NW Face of Thatchtop is a serious winter alpine climbing objective in Rocky Mountain National Park. This guided climb combines approach fitness, snow travel, ice or mixed climbing, and careful mountain decision making.

Quick Facts

Location:

Estes Park

Estes Park

Estes Park

Prime Season:

Winter & Spring

Winter & Spring

Duration:

10-12 hrs

10-12 hrs

Itinerary Type:

Private

Private

Skill Level:

Moderate

Moderate

Price:

From $629

From $629

How hard is the NW Face of Thatchtop?

It is a moderate but serious winter alpine route. The technical climbing is not extreme, but steep snow, variable ice, cold temperatures, and a long day make fitness and efficiency essential.

Do I need ice climbing experience?

Some experience helps. You should be comfortable moving in crampons and following on ice. If you are newer, our Ice Intensive I or Snow Climbing Class is a great way to prepare.

What happens if avalanche conditions are high?

Guides make the final call based on the avalanche forecast and what we see in the field. If the face isn’t appropriate, we can switch to a lower hazard objective like All Mixed Up or a skills focused day.

Do I need a timed entry reservation?

No. When you climb with our guides in Rocky Mountain National Park we handle timed entry and any permits. You only need a National Parks pass or to pay the entrance fee.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

The NW Face of Thatchtop is a committing winter alpine climb in Rocky Mountain National Park, on the same mountain as the classic All Mixed Up. It blends a long snowy approach, steep snow, and conditions dependent ice or mixed steps into a full mountain day that feels a world away from roadside ice.

Because the face changes with every storm, no two ascents are quite the same. Early season can bring thinner ice and more mixed climbing, while late winter and spring usually offer firmer snow and longer weather windows. Guides watch snow stability, wind, temperature, and daylight before committing, and keep backup objectives in mind in case the face isn’t in shape.

This climb is a strong fit for fit climbers with some ice or snow experience who want to step into winter alpinism. As one of the authorized guide services in the park, we handle permits and timed entry so you can focus on the climb, and it makes great preparation for bigger objectives like Alexander’s Chimney on Longs Peak.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

The NW Face of Thatchtop is a committing winter alpine climb in Rocky Mountain National Park, on the same mountain as the classic All Mixed Up. It blends a long snowy approach, steep snow, and conditions dependent ice or mixed steps into a full mountain day that feels a world away from roadside ice.

Because the face changes with every storm, no two ascents are quite the same. Early season can bring thinner ice and more mixed climbing, while late winter and spring usually offer firmer snow and longer weather windows. Guides watch snow stability, wind, temperature, and daylight before committing, and keep backup objectives in mind in case the face isn’t in shape.

This climb is a strong fit for fit climbers with some ice or snow experience who want to step into winter alpinism. As one of the authorized guide services in the park, we handle permits and timed entry so you can focus on the climb, and it makes great preparation for bigger objectives like Alexander’s Chimney on Longs Peak.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Includes

The NW Face of Thatchtop is a committing winter alpine climb in Rocky Mountain National Park, on the same mountain as the classic All Mixed Up. It blends a long snowy approach, steep snow, and conditions dependent ice or mixed steps into a full mountain day that feels a world away from roadside ice.

Because the face changes with every storm, no two ascents are quite the same. Early season can bring thinner ice and more mixed climbing, while late winter and spring usually offer firmer snow and longer weather windows. Guides watch snow stability, wind, temperature, and daylight before committing, and keep backup objectives in mind in case the face isn’t in shape.

This climb is a strong fit for fit climbers with some ice or snow experience who want to step into winter alpinism. As one of the authorized guide services in the park, we handle permits and timed entry so you can focus on the climb, and it makes great preparation for bigger objectives like Alexander’s Chimney on Longs Peak.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Nearby Climbing Locations

Below are some recommended climbing locations within the vicinity if you're interested in some alternative destinations. Colorado is home to many climbing areas and we want to help you find the one that is best for you!

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber with skis on their back ascends Flying Dutchman in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber with skis on their back ascends Flying Dutchman in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber with skis on their back ascends Flying Dutchman in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in Lumpy Ridge puts gear on their harness with Lake Estes in the background.

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in Lumpy Ridge puts gear on their harness with Lake Estes in the background.

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in Lumpy Ridge puts gear on their harness with Lake Estes in the background.

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Common Climbing Course Options

Some climbing areas are better suited for certain types of climbing classes than others. Below are a few of the classes we commonly do here if you are interested in learning to climb. While we can always figure out ways to make something work these climbing courses work well in this area.

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

6435 Garlock Way

Colorado Springs, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider and employer operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel & Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, commercial use authorization for Rocky Mountain, North Cascades, Denali, Black Canyon National Parks and Colorado National Monument, and special use authorizations for Eldorado and Castlewood Canyon State Parks.

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For climbing reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com

6435 Garlock Way

C/S, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

Climb with us!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.

Copyright © Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.