Rainbows and Unicorns

About

Rainbows and Unicorns is a multi-pitch traditional climbing route located in the Telluride, Colorado area, specifically within the Mill Creek Wall system near Norwood. The route is approximately 250 feet (76 meters) long and consists of three pitches. It was first ascended by Mark Ronca, Dean Martinson, and Ryan Schuster in September 2006. The climb is situated approximately 50 feet to the right of the route Night of the Unicorn, within a system characterized by large roofs and right-facing corners. The technical difficulty is generally rated in the 5.7 to 5.10 range, with specific crux sections involving roofs and finger cracks. Pitch one features a difficult move left under a roof followed by ascent through a second roof into a thin crack leading to a belay pod. Pitch two involves horizontal cracks and vertical finger/hand cracks, ending in a 5.7 section. Pitch three continues over finger cracks across a bulge before finishing on lower-angle rock to the top. The route can be protected using standard traditional gear, including stoppers, cams up to size #2, and TCUs. Access is available with parking on site. The area is open year-round, though seasonal closures for raptor nesting may apply between February 15 and July 31. Climbers should be aware of potential off-travel restrictions in the broader Mill Creek area during this period. The rock type is solid, providing quality holds for both traditional and sport climbing styles, although the route is primarily established as a trad climb. The elevation of the general area is around 5,127 feet, while specific route data places it near 12,762 feet depending on the specific wall section referenced. The route is suitable for climbers with some experience, offering a mix of face climbing and crack climbing.