Rising sharply within the alpine expanse of Rocky Mountain National Park, Hallett Peak presents a climbing experience that balances austere beauty with carefully measured challenge. Its northeast-facing wall, stretching roughly 1000 feet, cuts a striking figure against the Colorado skyline, offering climbers a chance to engage with a classic, rugged alpine face that demands respect and preparation.

The wall divides neatly into three distinctive buttresses, each delivering a unique flavor of climbing. The first buttress is more broken and approachable, hosting the well-known Great Dihedral (5.7), where steady hands and calm nerves meet moderate cracks and airy exposure. This area usually welcomes those seeking less technical but deeply satisfying pitches.

Most climbers gravitate toward the second buttress, the heart of Hallett’s climbing scene. This sector features a diverse collection of routes spanning grades from 5.8 to 5.11, including the highly praised Culp-Bossier (5.8), often considered one of the best routes on the face. The Northcutt-Carter route has shifted over time, with rockfall in 1999 altering its first two pitches and bumping the difficulty to 5.10 R if taken through the scar—though a safer 5.8/9 variation is accessible nearby. This buttress mixes known paths with opportunities to challenge yourself on runout face climbing and steep terrain, all set against a backdrop of high alpine solitude and expansive views.

The third buttress sees far less traffic, distinguished by its remoteness and the chance to escape the crowds. After the 1999 rockfall, it has become an adventure haven for those who want to explore seldom-climbed lines and soak in the quiet majesty of the upper alpine environment.

Descending Hallett is as much a part of the journey as climbing it. For routes finishing on the first or second buttresses, the safest descent involves heading down the ridge to a bolted rappel anchor below a marked cairn. A 70-meter rope or two ropes cover the necessary rappels, and an intermediate anchor helps if you use a 60-meter rope. From the lower anchor, a well-marked 3rd/4th class scramble weaves back down amid trees and gullies to return you to the base. For those topping out on the third buttress, a steeper, looser gully offers a quicker descent, but caution is essential to avoid rockfall hazards and cliff bands.

Access starts at the Bear Lake parking lot. From there, the trail to Emerald Lake covers about 1.5 miles before a short scramble brings you up to the cliff base. The approach combines gentle hiking through subalpine forest with a modest scramble, setting the tone for the alpine character of the day.

Weather plays a significant role in the climbing season at Hallett, with closures running annually from mid-February through July 31st to protect nesting raptors. Climbers should consult the Rocky Mountain National Park guidelines on seasonal closures and respect these restrictions fully.

Climbing Hallett demands solid trad skills and comfort with runouts and finding protection on alpine granite. Beware that the rock can surprise—getting off-route invites runout climbing on often less-featured slabs. Rockfall is also a factor, especially near the scarred Northcutt-Carter area and the looser terrain on the third buttress. Classic climbs like Great Dihedral, Culp-Bossier, and Northcutt-Carter define the face’s offerings, rewarding those who prepare for the alpine environment with memorable climbing days.

Whether drawn by the allure of a steep alpine wall framed by jagged ridges or the chance to climb historic Colorado granite, Hallett Peak offers a varied, thoughtful climbing experience. From the brisk approach to the careful descent, this is a place where adventure and practicality fuse—perfect for climbers ready to embrace a classic alpine test.