Lumpy Ridge, RMNP
Estes Park, CO is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and host to some of Colorado’s finest rock climbs. Lumpy Ridge in particular offers a wide variety of climbing routes for climbers of all ability levels. Just a few minutes from downtown Estes Park, there are many classic routes to be found at Lumpy Ridge which vary from 1 to 5 pitches in length. In addition, the views of the high peaks contained in Rocky Mountain National Park are fantastic, and provide inspiration for future adventures.
One of the most popular climbing areas at Lumpy Ridge is The Book, which offers excellent granite crack climbing and provides ample opportunity for climbing classic routes or custom learning outcomes.
The SJMG Difference
Our unique approach to guiding in Rocky Mountain National Park places the emphasis on developing trip itineraries and objectives to cultivate your climbing talents and then utilize them on climbs that both challenge and inspire your abilities. The flexibility we offer to customize your experience allows you and your guide unparalleled opportunity to adjust objectives given weather or other constraints, achieve learning/skill acquisition outcomes, and climb classic routes in one of America’s most well known climbing venues – all the while maintaining industry leading risk management during your time mountains with SJMG.
2023 Dates
Available Upon Request
April through November
Costs
$599 for 1:1
$399 pp for 2:1
$299 pp for 3:1
No Hidden Fees
Includes:
- Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
- All rock climbing gear (harness, helmet, rock shoes, etc.)
Lumpy Ridge Select Routes
Below is a list of classic routes you might consider at Lumpy Ridge. All programs are custom scheduled and tailored according to your schedule and desired outcomes. Whether you would like to tick off a classic route like Kor’s Flake (5.7+, 5 pitches), or do a 2 Day Rock Rescue Course to hone your technical rock climbing skills – we can put it all together for you.
Below are just a few of the routes that we recommend in Lumpy Ridge. Many other options exist and don’t hesitate to contact our office to discuss which routes are best for you. In addition, we have listed a few custom programs that are perfectly suited for Lumpy Ridge.
- Pear Buttress (5.8, 5 pitches)
- Loose Ends (5.9, 5 pitches )
- J-Crack (5.9+, 4 pitches)
- White Whale (5.7, 4 pitches)
- Hiatus (5.7+, 4 pitches)
- Mainliner (5.9, 5 pitches)
- Custom Introduction to Rock or Learn to Lead Trad Climbing Course (2-3 days)
- Custom Self and Partner Rock Rescue Course (2 days)
Rock Climbing Equipment List
| Backpack | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | The Osprey Mutant 38 represents an excellent all around performer for Ice Climbing trips in the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding San Juan backcountry. |
| Water Bottles | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | We recommend wide mouth Nalgene (or similar) water bottles for the majority of our programs. Two 1 liter bottles is the standard for days in the mountains. |
| Personal Food | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | Lunch begins when breakfast ends and ends when dinner begins. Bring what you like to eat and consider the length, relative difficulty, weight, and other factors when deciding what to bring in the mountains with you. A variety is always best. Don't be afraid of Mr. T. |
| Sunscreen | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | Essential for all of our programs. SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. Typically a 4 oz. bottle will suffice but consider trip length when deciding how much to pack. |
| Belay Device | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | A belay device is a required item on any of our technical climbing or mountaineering courses. While not necessary to have the Guide ATC specifically, we think owning one of these offers additional versatility as you progress and gain additional knowledge about the various levels of functionality provided by a device of this type. |
| Harness | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | The BD Aspect Harness is a great all around performer for all types of climbing - ice, rock, alpine etc. The adjustable leg loops and integrated ice clipper loops make this a solid investment as your do-all harness. |
| Locking Carabiners | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | We recommend at minimum 2 - 3 personal locking carabiners on our climbing courses and any technical private guided program. We prefer classic screw gate carabiners over other types of locking mechanisms. |
| Climbing Helmet | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | A versatile, hybrid-shell helmet for lightweight protection in any discipline, the Vector features excellent ventilation and a ratcheting adjuster. |
Training & Follow Up Climbs
As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. A good mixture of cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and especially core strength will help you to maximize the potential rewards that are possible on a great climbing trip.
Specific to Rock Climbing – it is a great idea to experience rock climbing in a gym first prior to your first experience outside!
Before Your Trip
Familiarity with basic climbing principles such as knots, belaying, rappelling, and other climbing techniques can be very helpful for our Intro Course participants. Though not required, prior gym climbing experience will help you to acquire and assimilate the information covered in our rock climbing course progression as quickly as possible.
Follow Up Climbs
Estes Park, Colorado: Getting There
Estes Park, Colorado is located in the Northeastern part of Colorado and approximately 45 minutes from Boulder. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip. Estes Park serves as the launching point for all of our climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park.
*If you are planning to combine additional days of climbing in Eldorado Canyon or The Flatirons then Boulder, CO is also a logical place to base your lodging for your trip.
 The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Denver, CO. Many airline options exist, and because Denver is a major airline and travel destination there are typically many one-way flights to choose from.
 You will likely need a to organize a rental car to drive to Estes Park from Denver. Typically in the summer months you can choose any type of vehicle but in the spring and winter months please consider that weather can change rapidly in the mountains so an All Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive vehicle is worth considering. Below are some approximate driving times to get to Estes Park, CO.
- Denver, CO:Â 1.5 hours
- Boulder, CO:Â 45 minutes
- Colorado Springs, CO: 2.5 hours
Estes Park has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip! Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences.
Boulder, CO also has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip!
Program Policies
Registration & Cancellation
Advance Registration is required for this program. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.
Inclusions
- Guiding and Instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
- All rock climbing gear (harness, helmet, rock shoes, etc.)
Exclusions
- Transportation to Boulder, CO
- Hotel costs before, during, or after the program
- Guide gratuity
- Lunch food or snacks
- Personal hiking/climbing clothing
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
- Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides
Book This Trip!
We Offer Online Registration
- Click on Book This Trip
- Select your Program dates
- Enter your Info and Payment
Or, call 800.642.5389 to register
