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Rock Climbing
Colorado
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MATTERHORN & CARSTENSZ PYRAMID TRAINING COURSE:
For those aspiring to climb the Matterhorn or the Seven Summit climb of Carstensz Pyramid, we have designed a program to properly prepare you for these challenging climbs. Skills taught will be specific to the demands of each ascent. Over two-four days you will practice ascending fixed ropes, polish your rappelling techniques, climb on rock while wearing crampons, and do a whole lot of climbing.
Optional ascents include;
- Forbidden Peak in the North Cascades National Park
- The monolithic Mount Stuart & Ingalls Peak in Washington's Alpine Lake Wilderness
- Colorado’s classic Mount Wilson and El Diente Traverse.
This trip is arranged on a custom basis. Please call our office more suggestions.
CUSTOM GUIDING & INSTRUCTION
Maximize your learning, pick your own route, or custom design an itinerary for yourself or a small group of friends or family. Please call for suggestions or click here for ppricing info.
Course curriculum may include:
• Use of mechanical ascenders for application on fixed ropes
• Rappelling techniques
• Climbing with crampons on rock
• Belaying and lowering a lead climber
• Route selection, rope management and route finding
• Multi pitch climbing techniques in an alpine environment
• Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
• And much more
COST INCLUDES: Guiding and instruction, group climbing equipment.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Transportation*, lodging/camping, food*, and all personal climbing and camping equipment.
*Available at additional cost
SAMPLE COURSE ITINERARY:
Day 1: Meet Mountain Madness Guides at ~9:00 am (exact location will be dependent on climbing location). After an orientation and equipment check, you’ll begin the day with a review of essential knot tying skills and proper use of equipment. You will also review proper belay commands and techniques that will prepare you for actual climbing. Once these basics are covered, you begin climbing! Today would also include rappelling and lowering. In the evening we camp at a near by campground.
Day 2: You’ll get an early start and review any skills you feel you need to work on from Day 1, and then you’ll spend the rest of the day putting your skills to work climbing, including doing a multi-pitch climb which will give you a taste of what is to come. Topics could also include ascending fixed ropes and climbing rock with crampons on. Campground.
Day 3-4: These days will be reserved for getting a lot of climbing in to prepare for the endurance test faced on both Carstensz Pyramid and the Matterhorn. Ideally one day will include an ascent of a route in excess of 2,000 elevation gain on technical terrain. Expect one day to also be between 10-12 hours long. See above for possible objectives.
NOTE ON ITINERARY: Depending on the needs of the participant this course can be completed in two-four days. In this course, the guides use their experience and knowledge of the area to match student with routes that will appropriately challenge and reward. Guides may select an alternate climb or mountain for these reasons. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
QUALIFICATIONS: All that is required is that students have some basic rock climbing and movement skills. If you have never rock climbed, it is very easy to gain this experience at a local climbing gym in an evening seminar. Previous mountaineering experience is not required. However, this trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of proper physical conditioning. By getting your heart, lungs, and legs in top physical condition, you can focus on learning while enjoying the high mountain environment.
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Custom Dates:
1-3 day climbs (May- Early October)
Cost per day: 1:1 $350, 2:1$250, 3:1$195
Client to Guide Ratio: 3:1
Climbing Grade: Beginner
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El Diente, one of the legendary 14’ers of the San Miguel Mountains with it’s central location and easy access, it is a great place to capture the beauty of the fall colors as well as the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding peaks of the San Juan Mountains. El Diente is a recommended conditioning or training climb in preparation for other Northwest Cascade Climbs, Mexico, Ecuador, Aconcagua, and other high altitude peaks.
On this climb we will cover:
- Selection and use of personal equipment, ropes, knots & harnesses
- Crampon use & snow climbing techniques, ice axe positioning, and self arrest techniques
- Hazard assessment discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards and avalanche hazard assessment
- Proper clothing and climbing gear for the high mountains, weather, alpine ecology, and Leave No Trace ethics
COST INCLUDES: Group climbing equipment, meals during the climb, and guide services.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation within Colorado, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.
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General Information
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WEATHER: Like all mountain ranges the weather in the Rockies is unpredictable and can roll in at any time limiting the productivity of your trip. Mountain Madness has no control over this weather and therefore last minute decisions are sometimes made to save the trip from being completely cancelled.
QUALIFICATIONS: It is not necessary to have mountaineering experience, but it is recommended that you have some hiking experience prior to this trip. This trip is rated as strenuous and we can not ove emphasize the importance of conditioning. Being in top physical condition, you can focus on learning, while being able to enjoy the high mountain environment.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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Itinerary
Day 1: We meet early morning in the town of Telluride. We drive to the Navajo Lake trailhead (9,340'). Our approach leads to Navajo Basin where we eventually climb to Navajo Lake at 11,150'. From here there is a stunning view of El Diente, Mt. Wilson and Wilson Peak.
We are climbing our way toward the summit as the sun begins to rise. Depending on conditions and the pace of the group, it takes from 5 to 8 hours to reach the top. Gorgeous views of the San Juans reward you as you stand on the summit of the El Diente. We return to our vehicle (8-12 hours car to car). We should return to Telluride around 7:00 p.m. Conditions beyond our control may cause a later return time.
NOTE ON THE ITINERARY: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, the very nature of climbing in an alpine environment requires flexibility. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control
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Mt. Wilson is the Monarch of the San Miguel Mountains and the highest peak in Dolores County. With its central location and easy access, it is great place to capture the beauty of the fall colors as well as the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Mt. Wilson is a recommended conditioning or training climb in preparation for Northwest Cascade Climbs, Mexico, Ecuador, Aconcagua, and other high altitude peaks.
On this climb we will cover:
- Selection and use of personal equipment, ropes, knots & harnesses
- Crampon use & snow climbing techniques, ice axe positioning, and self arrest techniques
- Hazard assessment discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards and avalanche hazard assessment
- Proper clothing and climbing gear for the high mountains, weather, alpine ecology, and Leave No Trace ethics
COST INCLUDES: Group climbing equipment, meals on the climb, and guide services.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation within Colorado, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.
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General Information
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WEATHER: Like all mountain ranges the weather in the Rockies is un-predictable and can roll in at any time limiting the productivity of your trip. Mountain Madness has no control over this weather and therefore last minute decisions are sometimes made to save the trip from being completely cancelled.
QUALIFICATIONS: It is not necessary to have mountaineering experience, but it is recommended that you have some hiking experience prior to this trip. This trip is rated as strenuous and we can not overemphasize the importance of conditioning. Being in top physical condition, you can focus on learning, while being able to enjoy the high mountain environment.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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Itinerary
 Day 1: We meet early morning in Telluride. We drive to the Navajo Lake trailhead (9,340'). Our approach leads to Navajo Basin where we eventually climb to Navajo Lake at 11,150’. From here there is a stunning view of El Diente, Mt. Wilson and Wilson Peak.
We are climbing our way toward the summit as the sun begins to rise. Depending on conditions and the pace of the group, it takes from 5 to 8 hours to reach the top. Gorgeous views of the San Juans reward you as you stand on the summit of the Mt. Wilson. We return to our vehicle (8-12 hours car to car). We should return to Telluride around 7:00 p.m. Conditions beyond our control may cause a later return time.
NOTE ON THE ITINERARY: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, the very nature of climbing in an alpine environment requires flexibility. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
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Custom Dates: Call our office to discuss dates.
Costs per day: 1:1 $350, 2:1 $250, (one to three day climbs)
Maximum Client to Guide Ratio: 2:
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MOUNT WILSON – EL DIENTE TRAVERSE
SUMMIT CLIMB
Mt. Wilson-El Diente Traverse, one of the great classic alpine climbs on two of the legendary 14ers of the San Miguel Mountains. It is a great place to capture the beauty of the alpine meadows as well as the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Mt. Wilson-El Diente Traverse is a recommended conditioning or training climb in preparation for other long alpine rock routes such as the Matterhorn, Ama Dablam, Carstensz Pyramid, Mt. Kenya, and other high altitude peaks.
The rugged San Juan Mountain range is located in Southwestern Colorado and covers one-eight of the state. The San Juans have more that 100 peaks over 13,000 feet and are home to thirteen 14,000-foot peaks. June through September is the best time to climb in the mountains. Early summer offers the enjoyment of spring flowers and more snow travel, mid summer has warmer temperatures with drier conditions and September displays brilliant autumn colors, but cooler temps.
CUSTOM DATES Contact our office to discuss dates
COST INCLUDES: Group gear, climbing equipment, food and guide services.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation*, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guide, and all personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.
*Transportation must be provided for the guide from Telluride. |
General Information
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QUALIFICATIONS: It is required that you have previous outdoor rock climbing/scrambling experience and good physical conditioning prior to this trip. You need to be able to move quickly over 3rd, 4th and low 5th class rock terrain. This trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of conditioning. Being in top physical condition, you can focus on learning, while being able to enjoy the high mountain environment. One or two day courses are available to refresh your climbing skills.
HOW TO GET THERE: Telluride is located in the SW corner of the state of Colorado. Daily commercial flights into Telluride are available. The next closest airport to Telluride is approximately 65 miles away in Montrose, Colorado. If you fly, plan on arriving the day before the course begins. Shuttles or rental cars are available at the Montrose airport.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Participants are responsible for hotel and meal expenses. Mountain Madness recommends several B&Bs and lodges:
- The Ice House Lodge ($145+; 800-544-3436),
- Mountainside Inn ($90-$170; 970-728-1950),
- The Victorian Inn ($100-$130; 800-611-9893),
WHERE TO MEET: The guide will meet you at your hotel at a pre-scheduled time on the start day of the climb.
ABOUT TELLURIDE, COLORADO: Telluride is a wonderful resort town nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Telluride offers access to an abundance of outdoor sports such as climbing, hiking, biking and jeep trails. The historic district of downtown Telluride has plenty of shops, art galleries, food, music, and special events. To learn more about the town of Telluride visit www.telluride.com.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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Itinerary
Day 1 or 2: We meet early morning in Telluride and drive to the Kilpacker trailhead. Our approach leads through alpine meadows and to Navajo Basin where we eventually climb to Navajo Lake at 11,150’. We make our way toward the first summit as the sun begins to rise. Depending on conditions and the pace of the group, it takes from 5 to 8 hours to reach the top. We ascend the 40-degree snow slopes of Mt. Wilson. There is a short rock scramble before reaching the 14,246 foot peak. After a summit treat we traverse the exposed 3rd, 4th and low 5th class ridge to our second objective. Fun rock scrambling leads to the summit of the 2nd summit, El Diente at 14,159 feet. Gorgeous views of the San Juans reward you as you stand on the summits of El Diente and Mt. Wilson. We return to our vehicle (8-12 hours car to car). We should return to Telluride around 8:00 p.m. Conditions beyond our control may cause a later return time. Two-day climbs are available.
NOTE ON THE ITINERARY: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, the very nature of climbing in an alpine environment requires flexibility. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control. Due to inclement weather, last minute decisions are sometimes made to save the trip from being completely cancelled.
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MOUNT WILSON – EL DIENTE TRAVERSE
SUMMIT CLIMB
Lizard Head is considered to be one of the more difficult peaks in Colorado. The easiest route is rated rock climb grade 5.8. The climb starts at 12,000 feet at the base of the 1,000 foot tower. Three pitches of mid 5th class climbing and a bit of scrambling leads to the 13,113 foot summit. The hike to the climb is through pine and evergreen forest and alpine meadows as well as the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Occasionally there are heard of Elk that graze in the meadows below the peak. Lizard Head peak is a recommended conditioning or training climb in preparation for other longer alpine rock routes such as the Mt. Wilson – El Diente Traverse, Matterhorn, or Carstensz Pyramid.
The rugged San Juan Mountain range is located in Southwestern Colorado and covers one-eight of the state. The San Juans have more that 100 peaks over 13,000 feet and are home to thirteen 14,000-foot peaks. June through September is the best time to climb in the mountains. Early summer offers the enjoyment of spring flowers and more snow travel, mid summer has warmer temperatures with drier conditions and September displays brilliant autumn colors, but cooler temps.
CUSTOM DATES Contact our office to discuss dates
COST INCLUDES: Group gear, climbing equipment, guide services.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation*, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guide, and all personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.
*Transportation must be provided for the guide from Telluride. |
General Information
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QUALIFICATIONS: It is required that you have previous outdoor rock climbing/scrambling experience and good physical conditioning prior to this trip. You need to be able to move quickly over 3rd, 4th and low 5th class rock terrain. This trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of conditioning. Being in top physical condition, you can focus on learning, while being able to enjoy the high mountain environment. One or two day courses are available to refresh your climbing skills.
HOW TO GET THERE: Telluride is located in the SW corner of the state of Colorado. Daily commercial flights into Telluride are available. The next closest airport to Telluride is approximately 65 miles away in Montrose, Colorado. If you fly, plan on arriving the day before the course begins. Shuttles or rental cars are available at the Montrose airport.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Participants are responsible for hotel and meal expenses. Mountain Madness recommends several B&Bs and lodges:
- The Ice House Lodge ($145+; 800-544-3436),
- Mountainside Inn ($90-$170; 970-728-1950),
- The Victorian Inn ($100-$130; 800-611-9893),
WHERE TO MEET: The guide will meet you at your hotel at a pre-scheduled time on the start day of the climb.
ABOUT TELLURIDE, COLORADO: Telluride is a wonderful resort town nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Telluride offers access to an abundance of outdoor sports such as climbing, hiking, biking and jeep trails. The historic district of downtown Telluride has plenty of shops, art galleries, food, music, and special events. To learn more about the town of Telluride visit www.telluride.com.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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Itinerary
Day 1: We meet early morning in Telluride and drive to the Cross Mountain trailhead. Our approach leads through forests and alpine meadows and to Bilk Basin. Once underneath Lizard Head we break off the main trail to a faint climbers trail and following several switchbacks to the base of the climb. The first two pitches are rated 5.7+ climbing. We traverse over loose 3rd class rock to the base of the final pitch. The last pitch is considered the crux of 5.8, a short roof and chimney system leads to the summit. Stunning views of Gladstone, Wilson Peak, Mt. Wilson, and Sunshine. We then make two long repels to the base of the climb and back to our backpacks. The hike back out takes about 1 to 2 hours. We return to our vehicle (7-10 hours car to car). We should return to Telluride around 6:00 p.m. Conditions beyond our control may cause a later return time.
NOTE ON THE ITINERARY: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, the very nature of climbing in an alpine environment requires flexibility. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control. Due to inclement weather, last minute decisions are sometimes made to save the trip from being completely cancelled.
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