Rising steadily above the forest floor of Big Thompson Canyon, 'Going to the Chapel' offers climbers a brief but engaging excursion on Colorado’s rugged granite. The route begins just uphill from the familiar No Mystery Here climb, marked by a scrappy ascent toward the broad limbs of a towering pine. From here, the rock invites you with slopey crystal holds that test balance and footwork through the first three bolts, subtly pushing you leftward beneath the tree’s wide-reaching branches.

After this initial cerebral dance, the angle softens and steadies, providing a welcome rhythm as you clip the next three bolts. At this juncture, a pivotal choice emerges: swing right in a short traverse to join the anchors of the easy Simplexity route, or press on toward Going to the Chapel’s own top anchors. Either way, the lines finish around 75 feet off the ground, with a generous 125-foot rappel beckoning below.

This climb shines not for relentless difficulty but as a measured introduction to Big Thompson’s sport climbing offerings. The rock’s texture speaks to years of weathering—smooth in spots, sharply defined in others—offering tactile feedback to every finger and toe placement. The nearby pine murmurs softly with the breeze, adding a natural soundtrack to the ascent and reminding climbers of the canyon’s wildness just beyond.

Located within the well-traveled Outer Gates sector of The Monastery area, the route sits within Estes Park Valley’s broad embrace. Approaching it is straightforward, with a brief shuffle uphill from the trail that threads through the canyon. Though modest in length, the climb’s proximity to other classics means it’s an ideal stop for climbers building stamina or looking to work on lead clips and movement on sport routes.

The protection is reliable and reassuring, consisting of 8 to 9 bolts finishing on solid anchors. This allows climbers to move confidently without the need for extensive gear hauling. The grade 5.8 rating is approachable yet engaging, making it a perfect option for those bridging the gap between beginner routes and steeper challenges nearby.

Weather-wise, afternoon sun warms the rock surface, but shaded morning starts are often preferred for comfort during summer. The canyon’s high elevation also means temperatures can shift rapidly, so layering up and carrying hydration is crucial. The approach trail offers firm footing, though light scrambling near the pine signals the start of the climb.

After topping out, rappelling is straightforward but long—bring extra rope length to avoid complications. The descent descends safely into the forest, completing the journey without demanding complicated downclimbing or multiple stations.

Accessible, scenic, and equipped with solid protection, Going to the Chapel is a concise outing that balances challenge and enjoyment. Whether it’s an afternoon warm-up or a quiet moment away from busier climbs, this route presents a tangible piece of Big Thompson’s climbing fabric—one where every hold feels earned and every clip promises the next step in your climbing story.