The Pass: A Climber's Guide to Independence Pass and Monitor Rock offers the best mountain climbing in the Colorado Rockies. Although climbing has been documented here since the 1950s, this is the first complete color guide to the region. The highly characterized granite rock of the Pass offers nearly 1000 routes, from bolted slabs at 5.4 to roof cracks at 5.14, with hundreds of enjoyable intermediate routes in the sun. Technical and vertical, overhanging and demanding, sport, perfect cracks, multi-pitch — all styles are there for you, in a beautiful subalpine forest below snow-capped peaks!
The main concentration of climbing is near the popular Grottos area 10 miles east of Aspen, but all nearby climbing is also documented. The new Gold Butte area just outside the town offers a fun option in cold weather on unique sandstone. On the other side of the Pass, Monitor Rock and the Twin Lakes cliffs receive the full treatment, with many routes and sectors never before published, including new long bolted multi-pitch routes that receive rave reviews.
When you're not climbing, there are great camping and swimming opportunities, as well as mountains to hike. For a more urban experience, you can frequent the trendy bars or visit the art galleries of the legendary town of Aspen, just next door!
Specifications:
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Authors: Jason Brown & Mike Schneiter
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Publisher: Wolverine Publishing
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Year of Publication: 2023
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Edition: 1st
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Number of Pages: 320 in color
About the Authors
Jason Brown is a Detroit native and long-time resident of the Roaring Fork Valley, spending countless days climbing and opening new routes on the Pass. His experience on routes of all styles is evident in the route descriptions.
Mike Schneiter, another Midwest native and long-time resident of the Roaring Fork Valley, has also tested himself on the steep granite of the Pass and opened new routes in the area. As the founder of Glenwood Climbing Guides, he has also extensively guided in the region, accumulating valuable hours on all the moderate multi-pitch climbing routes in the area. You will appreciate the firsthand descriptions and updated descent indications.
Both authors have young children, so if you visit the Pass with your family, they can relate to your situation!
