Skip to main content

Elk Fire · Evacuation orders in effect. If your zone is set to Evacuate, leave now.

Details

Rock Climbing · Aspen, CO

Bird's Nest

difficultSpring climbing conditions. Route may be wet after rainfall. Check weather forecast before climbing.
Directions

Before you go

Live · nearest station Aspen, 4 mi
Good to go

Good window today. Daylight to 8:10 pm.

76°

Mostly Sunny

Feels like 76°

Wind

0 mph

UV index

5.4 moderate

Sun window

6:15 am to 8:10 pm

Distance

Elevation gain

7ft

High point

8,593ft

Season

Jan - Dec

About

The Bird's Nest is a rock climbing area in Aspen, Colorado, located on the Western Slope near Independence Pass. It sits at an elevation of 8,593 feet and is classified as difficult, making it suitable for experienced climbers. The site offers parking and allows pets. Access involves scrambling up ledges to the right of the Trooper Traverse start, leading to a grassy ledge known as The Bird's Nest. A long needled pine marks the spot, which features a two-bolt anchor for belays and descent. The area contains five new routes on Monitor Rock, requiring both gear and bolts for protection. Three of these routes are long enough to require a 70-meter rope or two ropes. Specific routes include Old Dad Line, Raspberry Jam, Shaft of Light, Romancing the Stone, and Sea of Green. The climbing season runs year-round from January to December, though winter conditions may require additional gear. Climbers typically spend around four hours on the terrain. The area is distinct from indoor options like Red Brick Aspen Climbing Wall, offering outdoor trad and sport climbing opportunities.

Trail profile

Gain

7 ft

Avg grade

Steepest

High point

8,593 ft

Good to know

Parking at the trailhead

Dogs allowed on leash

Waypoints

1Approach Start8,586 ft
2Climbing Route8,586 ft

Latest trail reportgood

Spring climbing conditions. Route may be wet after rainfall. Check weather forecast before climbing.

Reported Mar 3, 2025Verified

What people say

Reviews

No reviews yet

Been here? Help the next person out.

Within 30 miles

Nearby spots