Batman's Girdle offers a unique journey across Batman Rock, standing out as the longest climb on this rugged granite formation above Estes Park Valley. This route challenges climbers with a blend of sideways movement, careful ascents, and some rewarding downclimbing, making it less about sheer vertical gain and more about strategic navigation. The full experience spans four to six pitches, but with a 60-meter rope and solid route-finding skills, it can be efficiently completed in four long pitches.

From the first steps, you realize this isn’t a straightforward path up a wall—it’s a deliberate crossing that connects multiple classic climbs on Batman Rock. The route starts with the initial climb on Carpenter’s Corner, moving out left from Coor’s Roof, then transitions into a delicate traverse where balance and thoughtful footwork take center stage. Here, you’re lining up hand and footholds, feeling the texture of gritty granite, and slowly edging across knobs that test your comfort with runout sections.

What makes Batman’s Girdle distinct is its intimate relationship with the surrounding routes. You’ll find yourself crossing or descending portions of well-known lines like Hand Over Hand and Hand Jive, weaving through parts of the rock that many climbers visit only as isolated pitches. This approach offers an inside look at the rock’s character as you encounter varied movement—some crimpy and engaging, some mellow and a chance to catch your breath.

Seasoned local climbers note that the first pitch can feel a bit unremarkable compared to the rest, but the true value lies in the route’s ability to link classic sections into a seamless traverse. It’s advisable to pick a quieter day, as Batman Rock can be busy, and this route’s proximity to popular climbs means you might find yourself sharing ledges or crossing paths with other parties.

Protection on Batman’s Girdle requires a well-rounded rack typical for Lumpy Ridge trad climbs, with an emphasis on medium to small gear—stoppers, TCUs, and nuts will find plenty of placements. Fixed gear is sparse, so be prepared to place carefully and plan your protection strategy in advance.

Approaching the climb demands a good understanding of the area’s basic routes since navigation between pitches involves moving across exposed faces and ledges. The setting above Estes Park is stunning—pine slopes stretch below, and as you move across the rock face, the vastness of Rocky Mountain National Park opens up before you. Timing your climb to avoid hot afternoons keeps the granite friendly underfoot, while early season spring or fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

To descend, climbers generally follow established routes back down the rock or rappel from fixed anchors, so it’s critical to be familiar with the exit strategy to avoid unnecessary challenges. Overall, Batman’s Girdle rewards careful planning, patience, and an appetite for a route that prizes connection over vertical gain. For those looking to experience Lumpy Ridge beyond stand-alone pitches, this traverse presents a subtle yet satisfying adventure across a granite playground rich with climbing history.