ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
petit grepon, southface
June/Sept
10-12 Hours
Intermediate
From $650
Private TripS
2027 Dates Live
EXPLORE ALPINE ROCK CLIMBING IN RMNP
DISCOVER
| OVERVIEW |
One of the 50 North American Classic rock climbs, the Petit Grepon is a spectacular formation that features splitter crack climbing and a summit that is second to none.
The formation is named after a mountain, The Grepon, overlooking Chamonix in the French Alps. The name derivation being the Small (Petit) ‘greup’ (Grepon) meaning a steep rocky slope made up mostly of slabs. Climbing on “The Petit”, as it is affectionately known, involves a beautiful scenic three-hour hike past lakes, forests, waterfalls and high alpine meadows before a short steep scree hike to the base. There are abundant places to bivy around Sky Pond but the climb is often done in one long day going car to car – therefore good cardio fitness, solid climbing skills and an early morning are required.
| GALLERY |
| ITINERARY AND PREP |
Pre-Trip call
Guides and guests connect via Google Meet to discuss gear selection for the course, meet our new teammates, discuss the climb, and, answer any lingering questions the team has.
The climb
The Petit Grepon’s classic route winds its way up the South Face in eight pitches with a 5.8 rating (most of the climb is 5.7 or easier with a short 5.8 crux). The route features an incredibly scenic summit with excellent climbing and a satisfyingly remote feel. The South Face involves chimney, crack and face climbing, giving a diverse outing with breathtaking exposure. If one is lucky enough to spend some time on the summit, you will enjoy a large dining table size area dropping on all sides for hundreds of feet. As always the climb is never over till you are safe back at the car and on the Petit Grepon that will involve 6 long rappels.
Hit the Glacier Gorge Trailhead around 3 am and hike into Loch Vale (4.9 miles). Alter direction and head towards the famous Sky Pond, where we’ll get our first glimpse of the Petit.
Begin climbing at sunrise through 8 beautiful and varied pitches of classic alpine rock. Tag one of the coolest summits, take in the views, then get descending before any afternoon thunderstorms have moved in!
Prep for our hike back to the Glacier Gorge junction, arriving back at the cars early afternoon!
End of day debrief
At the cars, we focus our attention on the day; sharing the Rose, the Bud, and the Thorn to ruminate more deeply on the experience. It is often customary ( but not mandatory) to have a meal back in the town to celebrate the great days spent in the mountains!
Technical Experience
Guests should be seasoned multi-pitch climbers with high alpine rock climbing experience. We require one of these two options to climb the Petit. Previous climbing experience with a guide. One who we can contact to talk about your ability to climb a route like this or a multi-pitch climbing prep day in Eldorado Canyon with the guide you will be partnered with for this Park Day.
Fitness
Excellent physical fitness is required. Climbers must be able to hike and climb for many hours while carrying a pack. Training for Advanced Alpine Climbing is a great fitness program to develop a strong alpine climbing base. 50% intensity is a good marker of alpine fitness for this weekend.
Altitude
No prior experience at altitude is required.
FOREST HIKE INTO THE PETIT
SOUTHFACE SUNLIGHT
- Group climbing equipment
- Small compressible multi-pitch backpack
- Climbing helmet, harness, and climbing shoes
- Certified guides
- National Park Pass, must have on your person
- Personal hiking gear such as backpacks and poles
- Snacks while on route
- Transportation to the venue
- Tips for guides
| WHATS INCLUDED |
THE CROWS NEST BELAY
CLIMBING HIGH ABOVE SKY POND
| PRICING DETAILS |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
petit grepon, southface
June/Sept
10-12 Hours
Intermediate
Single: $650
Partners: $390 Per Person
Private TripS
Summer 2027 Live!
| QUESTIONS |
petit grepon Southface.
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Smile focuses on small groups and ratios that meet/exceed the professional standards of mountain guiding. The Petit Grepon is guided at a 2:1 ratio, with up to four guests and two guides.
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Probably, Yes! The Petit Grepon is a big alpine route, but because of its ease of retreat while on route, The Petit is not as committing as other routes in Rocky. If you are looking for a stretch goal after climbing one of the easier route in the Park, this is for you! Excellent general fitness is expected to have success with the long hikes and larger climbing days.
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Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge for our alpine climbs. Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, and a small multi-pitch backpack. Please note- we may be able to supplement other gear needs so please make your reservations early and email climb@smilemountainguides.com with personal gear requests.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.
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Aside from the technical gear that we are often able to provide we strongly recommend bringing everything on the Equipment List. These kits have been dialed and tested by our guides for over 20 years; while you may not end up using everything you bring, weather variability in the mountains demands that we’re ready to dress for any and all conditions! -
ESTES PARK, COLORADO: GETTING THERE
Estes Park, Colorado is located in the Northeastern part of Colorado and is approximately 45 minutes from Boulder. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SMG trip. Estes Park serves as the launching point for all of our climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park.
*If you plan to combine additional days of climbing in Eldorado Canyon or The Flatirons then Boulder, CO is also a logical place to base your lodging for your trip.
The best option for flying to the area is through Denver, CO.
You will likely need to organize a rental car to drive to Estes Park from Denver. Typically in the summer months, you can choose any type of vehicle. Below are some approximate driving times to get to Estes Park, CO.
Denver, CO: 1.5 hours
Boulder, CO: 45 minutes
Colorado Springs, CO: 2.5 hours
Estes Park has many great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Call our office at 410-982-8282 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip! Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences.
Boulder, CO also has many great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area.
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Please email:
climb@smilemountainguides.com for more information about this program or any other Rocky Mountain National Park alpine climbing programs.