Da Prow stands out as a compelling route within Rocky Mountain National Park, offering climbers a rugged yet accessible alpine trad experience. This climb ascends a impressive prow visible from a distance—its angled line slicing through the rock face and inviting a steady, thoughtful approach. The route unfolds over three pitches, weaving through cracks, flakes, and ledges that allow for solid protection while also presenting moments of technical finesse, especially on the second pitch with its thin cams and delicate slab sections.

The rock faces south-southwest, soaking in generous sunlight and offering warmth against the crisp mountain air typical of this elevation around 11,000 feet. Elevation here matches the upper portion of nearby MacGregor Slab, situating climbers amid Smirking Deer Mountain and Sheep Lakes, while the distant Y Couloir of Ypsilon mountain provides a dramatic alpine backdrop visible from P3 if you veer left.

Approaching Da Prow begins from the Lawn Lake Trailhead via the Fall River entrance. The hike is moderate and well marked, requiring about 45 minutes to reach the route itself. The trail follows a steady incline up to the seventh switchback on the main trail, after which the prow comes into view. From there, climbers navigate a slope girded with game trails that serpent towards the rock’s rear, with terrain that demands cautious footing but rewards with glimpses of wildlife—bighorn sheep are occasionally spotted near the base.

The first pitch climbs approximately 190 feet up the right side of the rock's apron, passing through broken terrain with manageable cracks and short shrubs before arriving at a right-facing dihedral. Here, the path splits slightly: choosing either the cleaner but dirtier left crack or the curved right crack leads to a thin slab where protection is run with small cams. The difficulty registers at 5.8, offering an engaging start without overwhelming strain.

Pitch two is where the climbing intensity grows. Two distinct starts allow some variation: a direct line above a parasitic tree through a narrow dihedral, and a slightly more alpine variation to the right featuring a thin crack beside a left-facing dihedral. These routes converge, moving upwards to a small saddle after 80 feet. The recommended line veers left onto a flake and crack system before finishing on a face climb to a ledge belay. This pitch balances delicate maneuvering on thin cams with a chance to enjoy alpine terrain, rating 5.8+ with a PG-13 advisory due to the spacing of protection. For bold climbers, a challenging slab section on the nose left of the crack offers additional commitment.

The final pitch carries climbers 200 feet up broken terrain toward a broad ledge. From here, options abound to navigate around small pillars or a wide crack on friction slab terrain to reach the top of the shoulder. This pitch sits comfortably at 5.7, giving climbers a chance to breathe and enjoy expansive views before scrambling off the back. For those wishing to top out more directly, an optional P4 can extend the climb by another 50 to 60 feet of easy climbing.

Gear requirements call for a traditional rack including wires, small and medium Aliens, cams up to #3 Camalot, and a couple of hexes. A 60-meter rope is necessary, and bringing extra small Aliens will prove useful especially for the P2 left crack variation that demands precise placements. The anchoring spots are generally dependable, but the somewhat secluded nature of the climb suggests careful planning and practice with trad gear.

This route sits within a larger alpine environment that is both remote and visually striking. The rock offers solid quality typical of the park, while the surrounding landscape is shaped by wilderness and trail networks, granting a sense of peaceful isolation with the reward of scenic overlooks to Fall River and the surrounding peaks.

The wall's southern exposure means mornings can be cool but afternoons bring sun-soaked warmth, making late spring through early fall the ideal climbing windows. The descent involves scrambling and hiking off the back, with an option to rappel if needed using natural anchors and double 60m ropes. The terrain requires attention especially when descending, as loose rock and exposed sections can challenge tired climbers.

Da Prow blends accessible alpine terrain with engaging climbing that satisfies trad enthusiasts who appreciate variety and view-rich settings. With smooth transitions between pitches and thoughtful protection placements, it offers a memorable day out for those prepared with the right gear and a desire to experience a mountain climb that rewards persistence with both challenge and natural beauty.