Bombay Chimney stands as the farthest left prominent chimney on the Bookend formation, visible from the valley floor and drawing climbers who crave sustained chimney climbing with rewarding movement. This route offers an authentic trad climbing experience spread over five pitches, blending technical chimney techniques with varied rock textures and natural stances. It invites those with a chimney-climbing appetite to spend quality time exploring deep flares, crack systems, and feature-rich chimneys framed by the rugged contours of Lumpy Ridge.

The climb begins with Pitch 1, an 80-foot journey up a crack and dihedral system that tends mostly toward moderate 5.4 to 5.6 climbing. This section allows hands to work steadily as the rock’s geometry leads you naturally into the heart of the chimney. The crux awaits about 20 feet into the chimney itself—a narrow slot demanding precise positioning and balance at about 5.8 difficulty. Reach a comfortable stance here and prepare for the core challenge.

Pitch 2 deepens the experience with a 120-foot stretch through a pronounced flare. This pitch is where chimney climbing comes alive: the walls push in and demand constant attention to body position and footwork. Sustained at 5.8, this section rewards effort with solid placements for standard gear on the interior, ensuring protection remains accessible without overcomplicating your rack choices.

From here, Pitch 3 loosens the intensity, moving through an easier chimney system marked by ramps, ledges, and restful spots that let climbers recover and enjoy the natural geometry offering a change of pace. This pitch flows steadily to a good stance, setting you up for the final approach.

Pitch 4 can vary depending on your line—there are options to "walk" through low fifth-class terrain to intersect with the main wall trail toward the summit or select a route featuring slightly more climbing. Around 150 feet of mostly low 5th class rock leads you close to the summit, with Pitch 5 optional depending on your chosen variation.

Bombay Chimney combines technical chimney moves with accessible trad climbing, from the initial crack dihedral through sustained chimney sections to breezier finishing moves. Situated on Lumpy Ridge, this route is perfect for those wanting a classic experience with manageable protection demands, surrounded by sweeping views of Estes Park Valley and the Colorado high country.

Approach is straightforward, tracking from the Bookend Trailhead with about 20 to 30 minutes of moderate hiking on forested trails interspersed with rocky footing. The wall faces east, warming under morning sun and offering shade by mid-afternoon—making spring and fall ideal climbing windows to capitalize on comfortable temperatures and stable conditions.

Standard trad gear covers your needs here. Bring a solid range of cams up to a #4 Camalot, but know that most protection fits easily inside the chimney’s natural flares, with stoppers supplementing the rack. The rock quality is generally solid but keep an eye on occasional loose flakes near some ledges. Descending takes care—either downclimb sections where possible or rappel from fixed anchors with care.

Bombay Chimney is a dependable classic for those seeking steady, technical chimney climbing wrapped in the scenic grandeur of Colorado’s iconic Lumpy Ridge. It’s an approachable adventure for chimneys enthusiasts, providing a satisfying blend of movement, protection, and terrain variety within a long day in the mountains.