Princess Leah on Star Wars, Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

Mr. Natural

Matt Shooting Mr. Natural. Photo: Rich Crowder

Rich and Kristie all smiles at the end of the shoot

Ms. Kristie Arend on the classic Eldorado 5.8 crack Mr. Natural. This was another shoot for the new Eldorado Canyon guidebook, due out this winter. I was lucky to have Rich Crowder along for the ride. Rich helped me rig and shot from above while I got the side angle.

West Crack of the Whale’s Tail

Roxanne Raymundo on the best 5.2 crack climb in Eldorado Canyon.

Calypso, Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

We showed up in Eldorado Canyon to do another shoot for the new guidebook. As we drove into the canyon the light was perfect. But as soon as we hiked to the base of the route, the clouds socked in and it began to rain. Discouraged and a bit annoyed we thought there was little chance of any successful climbing or photography. Just as we decided to quit and go home the clouds began to break and the sun reappeared under nice soft clouds. The shoot was on. Sara climbed gracefully, giggling her way up the beautiful 5.6 Eldo classic.

Jim Erickson on The Blind Faith, Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

In 1972 Jim Erickson did the first free-ascent of the Blind Faith on the Bastille in Eldorado Canyon. Jim free-soloed the pitch, on sight. Which means he walked up to the 200 plus foot wall, without a rope or partner, and climbed it, unaware of the difficulty. In 2008 he led the pitch again, this time with a rope and a belayer. It’s good to see him still climbing hard at 59.

Skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Alex, Matt A, and Andy on the way up to Ptarmigan Glacier. Notchtop Peak to the right. A beautiful day of skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Climbing in Eldorado Canyon

My friend Marc is on the verge of completing a new traditional route on Hawk-Eagle Ridge in Eldorado Canyon. After many days effort, a ground fall off of a blown out TCU, and multiple falls near the final jug, he’s damn close to sending it. Not bad for a bald 42 year old with an infant son and a full-time job.

Update: Marc sent the route in July after what he thinks might have been forty days of effort. The Grim Reaper goes at 5.13b/R. Nice work Marc.

Bouldering at Carter Lake, Colorado

Pete Takeda bouldering at Carter Lake, Colorado.

Naomi Guy at Carter Lake, Colorado