Mt. Alice is a relatively remote 13,000 ft. peak located deep in Wild Basin of RMNP. The climbs are located on its steep, impressive, and intimidating east face, and consists of mostly older aid lines with the exception of Central Ramp (5.8) which is probably the most popular route. Like all alpine climbs, these routes should not be taken lightly. This is especially true for Mt. Alice due to its remote location (8 miles back). Don't expect to see crowds. It's likely you'll be the only party there. Since these routes don't see a lot of traffic, you should expect dirt, loose rock, and lots of plant life. A true backcountry/alpine experience.
The climbs start part-way up the face. They are accessed by hiking up the snow chute on the left (a little steep) or by cutting up and across from the right on a 3rd-4th class ramp which is a spicy in a couple spots (we roped up for part of it).
After tagging the summit, walk off to the south and drop down the gully between Mt. Alice and Pilot Mt. to return to the base or continue south to Boulder-Grand Pass and hike down to Thunder Lake and enjoy all the alpine flowers.
Getting There
Head up to RMNP and Estes Park. Take Hwy 7 south out of Estes, thru Meeker Park, to the Wild Basin entrance of RMNP. After entering the gates drive about 2 [miles] down the dirt road to the trailhead for Thunder Lake. Hike the Thunder Lake trail for about 5 miles to the Lion Lakes turn off. Hike up to Lion Lake and head up to the alpine meadow and boulder field to the west. The objective will be obvious by this point - head to the base and pick the least scary approach to the start of the climbs.
I really liked this route. It has a little lichen and loose rock but no more than most of the other alpine walls in the park. The long approach means that you have a good chance of being the only party on the mountain. (although if there is another climbing party, it will likely be on this route) The climbing is sustained in the 5.7 - 5.8 range and offers a little bit of everything... snow, stemming, laybacks, hand cracks, chimneys etc. You won'...[more]Browse More Classics in CO
This peak is not heavily traveled, and there is a lot of potential for new routes. The good rock high up on the peak, left of the central gully, looks especially attractive and there are a good number of lines available which would likely be 5.10 and up. Good luck, they're too freakin' hard for me!
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