Alligator Rock is open again for climbing as of Friday, August 1st and the Twin Owls opened finally on Aug. 5th.

The Twin Owls are the closest (legal) cliff to the new Lumpy Ridge parking lot and since the 1950's, many of Lumpy's testpieces have been established here on the steepest cliff of the ridge. 

From Tom Hornbein's ascent of the Central Chimney 5.7+ in 1952 (modern 5.9), to Jim Logan's ascent of the Crack of Fear 5.10d in 1966 (modern 11c) to John Bachar's Silly Putty 5.12a-R in 1978(modern 12b-R) to Alan Lester's Anaconda 5.13c in 1994 (finally seeing a second ascent by none other than Tommy Caldwell in 2001) - The Twin Owls are the most "stacked" cliff in the Estes Valley.  August through November are the prime season for this cliff which has classic routes from 5.5 and up from 1 to 2 pitches in length.  The approach is approx. 20 minutes and mostly uphill on good trails from the new parking lot.

Steve Johnson clinging to Condones (12a) on the Twin Owls

To protect raptor nesting sites in spring and summer, park staff initiate temporary closures in the Lumpy Ridge and Sheep Mountain areas of the park. The RMNP Park Superintendent may extend or rescind closures based on existing conditions.

Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Lightning Rock,
Checkerboard--Open (as of June 20, 2008)

Deer Ridge Buttress--Open (as of June 20, 2008)

Alligator Rock--Closed March 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008

The Parish, Thunder Buttress--Closed March 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008

Sheep Mountain--Closed March 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008

Twin Owls, Rock One--Closed March 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008 EXTENDED UNTIL AUG. 5TH

Closures will be lifted or extended as necessary.

Named rock formations, the area extending 100 yards north, east and west of the base of named rock formations and the slopes extending south from the base of the named rock formations downslope to the Gem Lake Trail and Black Canyon Trail, including but not limited to all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes and climber access trails to the named rock formations; however, Hen and Chickens, Gollums Arch Rock and the climbers access trail leading to them will remain open. The section of climbers access trail beyond Hen and Chickens leading to Bowles of the Owls is closed.

Majka Burhardt taking the TR burn on Silly Putty Direct (12a) on the Twin Owls.