Hanging Arete Boulders: Shady Spring Bouldering in RMNP

Estes Park, Colorado
shady
spring climbing
early season
alpine bouldering
V5
RMNP
low crowds
Length: 10-15 ft
Type: Boulder | Alpine
Stars
Pitches
bouldering
Protected Place
Rocky Mountain National Park
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Tucked in the quiet forest of Rocky Mountain National Park, Hanging Arete Boulders deliver quality movement, stunning shade, and low crowds for early-season bouldering. Classic local testpieces and a fragile alpine setting make every visit memorable. Don’t miss these unique problems—just be sure to tread with care."

Hanging Arete Boulders: Shady Spring Bouldering in RMNP

The Hanging Arete Boulders offer an inviting pocket of alpine tranquility in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, where the season’s first warm days find the forest floor clear of crowds and shining with promise. Set at 8,134 feet, you’ll be struck right away by the calm beneath the trees—only the steady thud of your approach boots and the sound of wind nudging the pines disturb the morning silence. Every visit here feels like a quiet escape before the summer rush, and these boulders reward those early enough to catch the place at its peaceful best.

Start your adventure at the Fern Lake Trailhead, a brief drive from the Moraine Campground. If spring lingers and the access gate is closed, factor in an extra 0.7 miles of easy hiking along the road. Trailside, towering boulders mark the way. In the soft gold light filtering between tree limbs, you’ll pass the Trailside Boulders on your left and, a few hundred yards on, arrive at the unmistakable overhang: a natural cave with the distinct arete leaning sharply to the right. This is where things start to get interesting.

Despite the occasional sharp edge, most holds are satisfying—smooth to the touch and perfectly sized for locking in that crux sequence. The bouldering itself is classic alpine style: varied, compact, and requiring precise footwork, a touch of patience, and maybe some grit for the final top-out. The Hanging Arete cave sits in shade for most of the day, making even midsummer efforts comfortable and keeping friction high when cooler temperatures move in early or late in the season.

While the classic lines here—Cove Hang (V5) and Cove Over (V5)—don’t number many, they both stand out for quality movement and well-earned reputation. Both have raked in three stars each, a nod to the distinctive holds, engaging sequences, and the mischievous character of the area’s cave and arete. For returning climbers and those ticking off RMNP’s hidden gems, working these problems at Hanging Arete is a rite of passage—challenging but approachable and a worthy companion to a Moraine Park circuit.

But remember: this is truly a fragile alpine environment. Alpine grass, delicate mosses, and rare lichens thrive between the boulders, so respect any closures, especially during the seasonal raptor nesting restrictions from mid-February through the end of July. Walk only on rocks or established trails, store your gear off the ground on the boulders themselves, and leave no trace—RMNP rangers keep a regular eye on bouldering hotspots to make sure climbers are holding up their end of the bargain.

Hanging Arete Boulders reward thoughtful, low-impact visits. The minimal crowds early in the climbing season allow you to climb at your own pace, experiment with beta, and soak in the sweeping forest views between burns. Boulderers looking for a scenic session find cool, shady conditions and a dependable challenge—not just in the climbing, but in the care it takes to preserve these precious rocks for the next crew. Whether you’re out for a single send or stringing together lines across the Moraine Park zone, Hanging Arete Boulders is a stop that delivers. Fixed crash pads aren’t allowed here, so pack efficiently and bring what you need to spot and protect your landing—smooth and sometimes sharp sections mean some pads and vigilant spotters are a must.

With every move, you’re adding your own story to a small but storied outcrop—a shady sanctuary in one of Colorado’s most storied playgrounds. The lines are clean, the environment is pristine, and with each careful visit, Hanging Arete continues to welcome new climbers to its perfect blend of peace and pure movement.

Climber Safety

Landings vary from smooth to slightly sharp—always use spotters and adequate crash pad coverage. Watch for rapid weather changes in this alpine environment and respect all closures and environmental advisories.

Area Details

TypeBoulder | Alpine
Pitchesbouldering
Length10-15 feet

Local Tips

Arrive early in the season for maximum seclusion and crisp friction.

Respect seasonal raptor closures—check the latest status before hiking in.

Keep your group small and gear contained to minimize impact on the alpine ecosystem.

Bring enough pads for varied landings, but always pack everything out at the end of your session.

Area Rating

Quality
Consensus:With both classic lines rated at V5 and three stars, Hanging Arete’s grades are considered accurate—neither sandbagged nor unusually soft. Climbing here feels both rewarding and attainable for those breaking into intermediate bouldering, offering honest movement and encouraging repeat attempts. The area’s reputation is a blend of quality problems and a focus on experience over difficulty.

Gear Requirements

Bring at least two quality crash pads and brushes to clean holds. No pads may be stashed on site. All gear and personal items should be kept on boulders, not vegetation or dirt, to protect the delicate alpine environment.

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Tags

shady
spring climbing
early season
alpine bouldering
V5
RMNP
low crowds