"Storming The Castle challenges climbers with a blend of engaging cracks and chimneys amid the rugged cliffs of The Three Amigos, just outside Buena Vista, Colorado. This three-pitch trad route tests your gear skills and patience with a memorable crux, rewarding every move with sweeping mountain vistas."
Storming The Castle offers an engaging trad climbing adventure set within the rugged expanse of The Three Amigos near Buena Vista, Colorado. This three-pitch route unfolds across 500 feet of textured rock, where wide cracks and natural chimneys invite climbers to challenge their skills while taking in the raw landscape that defines this corner of the Arkansas River Valley. Starting with a steep right-facing corner, the first pitch eases into a roof with a chimney crack demanding solid footwork and body positioning, rewarding careful effort with a comfortable belay stance. The second pitch presents a subtle but firm crux—delicate moves maneuver out right into a squat chimney that demands precision and focus, particularly as the line skirts a run-out section that tests both nerve and gear placement. The climb finishes by threading a chimney and stepping onto easier terrain, a quiet moment before reaching the summit’s edge.
The route carries a 5.8-PG13 rating, signaling a climb where protection is accessible but requires attention and confidence in gear placement. A scaled rack with doubles from 0.2 to 3 inches is essential, allowing climbers to build solid anchors especially across the variable crack sizes. Protection placements here feel well-spaced but reliable, rewarding those who trust their gear and movement.
Access to The Three Amigos is straightforward — a short approach brings you to the base, where the rocky walls side-step the expansive land visible from Buena Vista. The descent wanders eastward, a hike down off the ridge that requires typical mountain caution but no technical moves. This route blends adventure with thoughtful climbing, making it an approachable day dedicated to crack climbing technique and exploring one of Colorado’s less trafficked but quality trad areas.
Practical planning for Storming The Castle means preparing for switchbacks through pine and scrub on approach, ensuring hydration as the alpine sun quickly warms the open rock faces. Climbers should time their ascent for the morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday heat, staying alert for cooling winds that slip through the chimneys. Footwear with solid edging and precise placement ability will assist in managing the varied crack widths and chimney jams along the way.
Storming The Castle is a standout for climbers looking to deepen their crack-climbing repertoire within a scenic plateau that rewards persistence and careful movement. Whether you're rhythmically stepping through chimneys or tidying gear for the anchors, this route invites both focus and the quiet satisfaction that arrives after sending well-earned lines in a high-country setting.
While protection placements are generally solid, certain sections feature longer runouts, particularly on pitch two near the chimney crux. Climbers should place gear carefully and remain attentive to anchor integrity. The descent east side hike can be steep and loose; good footwear and caution on scree sections are advised.
Start early to avoid afternoon heat on exposed faces.
Wear shoes with strong edging and crack climbing ability.
Hydrate well before the approach—shade is limited on the climb.
Carefully double check anchor placements at each belay station.
Bring a single rack with doubles from 0.2 up to 3 inches to cover the wide range of crack sizes. Confidence in placing solid protection is key, especially near the crux chimney on pitch two. Fixed gear is minimal, so rely on natural placements.
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