Mount Olympus via North Slopes
PT 8,460' aka "Noel's Knob" via NW Face (5.4)
May 30, 2012
Looking for something fun to do nearby, Jen and I decided on Mount Olympus and Noel's Knob above Estes Park. Olympus is where Enos Mills stood and took a photograph that inspired many to move to the pristine valley below. Although the scenery is quite different, Olympus is fun off-trail venture with great views. We parked at a small pull-off near a National Forest sign about 3 miles east of Estes. A steep slope lead up quickly toward the summit and we carefully picked a line up through the brush. As we ascended, the views gradually opened and the view of Estes were excellent. The final scramble to the summit ridge provided some opportunities to dabble in class 3 and the rocky rib led straight to the summit. We enjoyed the views and took photos of several familiar names in the hidden register. Tired of the gusting wind, we didn't wait long before heading straight for Noel's Knob. The terrain was easy and we soon stood at the base of the rock. Knowing nothing other than the summit required 5th class climbing, I roped up at the base of a reasonable-looking face. The pitch proved easy and other than I spot it would be a comfortable solo. I belayed Jen up and we relaxed on the summit. Nobody had signed the register in a few years and it was nice to be somewhere so seldom visited. We rappelled off a small flake and quickly hiked out as the skies darkened. Thankfully the rain held until we arrived back at the car and it helped make a perfect ending to this fun hike.
Looking for something fun to do nearby, Jen and I decided on Mount Olympus and Noel's Knob above Estes Park. Olympus is where Enos Mills stood and took a photograph that inspired many to move to the pristine valley below. Although the scenery is quite different, Olympus is fun off-trail venture with great views. We parked at a small pull-off near a National Forest sign about 3 miles east of Estes. A steep slope lead up quickly toward the summit and we carefully picked a line up through the brush. As we ascended, the views gradually opened and the view of Estes were excellent. The final scramble to the summit ridge provided some opportunities to dabble in class 3 and the rocky rib led straight to the summit. We enjoyed the views and took photos of several familiar names in the hidden register. Tired of the gusting wind, we didn't wait long before heading straight for Noel's Knob. The terrain was easy and we soon stood at the base of the rock. Knowing nothing other than the summit required 5th class climbing, I roped up at the base of a reasonable-looking face. The pitch proved easy and other than I spot it would be a comfortable solo. I belayed Jen up and we relaxed on the summit. Nobody had signed the register in a few years and it was nice to be somewhere so seldom visited. We rappelled off a small flake and quickly hiked out as the skies darkened. Thankfully the rain held until we arrived back at the car and it helped make a perfect ending to this fun hike.
