Blondie

About

Blondie is a rock climbing destination located near Palisade, Colorado, on the Western Slope. The site sits at an elevation of 5,597 feet and offers moderate difficulty routes suitable for climbers with some experience. The typical visit duration is approximately five hours, and parking is available on site. Climbers are permitted to bring pets. The primary route at Blondie is a 200-foot (61-meter) traditional climb consisting of two pitches. The first pitch begins at the dirty corner on the right side of the crag, climbing forty feet up to a visible prow which serves as the 5.6 crux. The second pitch involves traversing left from the ledge to a right-leaning hand crack that extends 150 feet upward. This section includes a 5.9 crux twenty feet up, followed by casual cracks with jugs and chicken beaks leading into a moderate off-width. The climb finishes on a ledge below an extremely flakey off-width, allowing for a walk-off or a traverse left along a finger crack to bolts rated 5.10. Standard protection gear, including multiple #2-#4 nuts, is sufficient for the route. First ascent was completed by C. Winn and T Etzkorn. The area is generally accessible year-round, with operations spanning from January to December. Recent updates indicate that access issues related to the Cameron Peak Fire, specifically regarding dead trees on Storm Mountain Road, have been resolved as of 2023. The route is situated in the Big Thompson River Canyon area, near Estes Park Valley.