03/25/2026
Owing to altitude, ease of access, and the variety of terrain to challenge you Rocky Mountain National Park is probably one of the best training grounds in the United States to learn beginner alpine skills. Here's a couple summits and what skills they can teach you.
1. Sharkstooth NE Ridge 5.6: earlier in the season this teaches the gamut of alpine skills. Basic crampon use on the lower ❄️ fields leads to a classic ridge climb to the summit. Several rappels bring you back to the snowfields. Very achievable in a day an overnight will add some amazing 🌟 gazing and teach some basic bivvy or backcountry 🏕 skills. Alternative: Notchtop Spiral Route.
2. Petit Grepon S. Face 5.8+: One of the 50 classics of N. America and a good In A Day (IAD) 🧗♀️. With sunshine, a small summit, and big rappels all the way to the base it's set up for speed. Learn to cover moderate terrain quickly so you can take your time on harder sections. Be efficient and dialed with your systems with the goal of not needing 🔦 because you were slow. Alternative: Spearhead Sykes Sickle.
3. Long's Peak 💎 5.10: Another classic climb this is a big day even for experienced alpine climbers. Altitude will take a few number grades off your limit so don't expect to climb at your limit at 13k. A short bit of ❄️ leads to the choss of the N. Chimney. Get there before other parties or you'll be 😞. Now at the main event you've got some stellar granite for half a dozen pitches. While most rappel from Table Ledge as clouds build get some bonus points by heading to a proper summit via Kiener's. Then descend the Cables before you can finally get in walking shoes. This is another route that may be better IAD but the altitude and finicky weather can crush dreams quick. Alternative: Kor's Door to Kiener's.
There is truly no better alpine rock playground for learning alpine skills. With early heat and dry conditions some of these will be ready to go so let's get after it!
