The Crypt is a 30 meter curtain of ice sitting on the south slopes of Otis Peak above the Loch Vale and across from the north face of Thatchtop Mountain. This is a relatively short climb for the hike, but as this flow is almost 100 ft. wide, there are enough leading and top-roping options available of all difficulties to make for a full day of ice and mixed climbing.

                                                            The Crypt in Dec. '07 conditions-

Warning:  Falling rock and ice can are a major concern when temperatures exceed freezing and this route is particularly susceptible to warmer temperatures and rapid melting as it is south-facing and would best be avoided in these conditions.

Description 

The Crypt is a decent curtain of ice when "IN" shape and despite it's relatively accessible yet off the beaten track location, it is one of the least visited ice flows in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Unfortunately some of the charm of this location is it's potential for sunny warmth and these conditions work against the consistent formation of this classic pure ice route.

So to catch this "beast" in shape is to savor a spectacular curtain of ice and with some motivation and good conditions, there can easily be a half-dozen variations as well as nearby ice-filled gully's that can make for a more than full day in this welcoming location looking across the Loch Vale and across from the imposing north face of Thatchtop Mountain.  

Avalanche Danger

When we are in the brunt of winter and avalanche danger makes the high country too dangerous, this can be one of the safer locations due to the minimal snowpack which typically sits above and below this climb.  The approach is through a dense forest  and then talus and the terrain above is rarely snow covered during the winter months for any length of time.  However, when snow covered with a weak snowpack, there is the potential for avalanche danger in this location and in the spring, heat related avalanches could be a major concern.  This route sits at the bottom of a thickly treed gully, so slab avalanche danger is less likely above rather than at the base of this route.

Location 

This ice route is reached via the Glacier Gorge trailhead and the climb sits directly above the Loch in the Loch Vale (watch out for the monster).  The normal "fire-trail" approach to the Loch is ideal as it shaves almost a mile off of the otherwise normal approach.   It is approx. 2.5 miles from the trailhead to the base of the route with the short-cut. 

                              The regular trail (green) to the Loch with the fire-trail marked in blue

Rescue services will take a while here and contacting "911" resources could be the crux of an adventure gone bad.  Winter conditions can quickly kill an exposed and immobile person, especially one who is bleeding or broken.  Emergency and bivy gear should be considered along with communications equipment in any alpine winter backcountry adventure.  Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you plan to return so that they might initiate a search for you and contact the National Park Service who coordinate all rescues in Rocky Mountain National Park.

                                         Clinging to the steep curtain of The Crypt 

P1- 30m up a fat WI- 4+  Curtain to the slung trees above.  Mixed and harder curtain variations exist on either side of the route which typically climbs the center of the curtain.

                                  A close-up view of The Crypt with the "normal" route marked in green

Descent

Rappel or lower with one rope for 30m down the route to the base.   Bring slings for the trees on top in case they are well aged.

   A satellite view of the Loch with The Crypt above the north shores on the south face of Otis Peak.  

Protection 

A standard ice rack should be adequate for this route.  In thinner conditions or doing the other variations may require rock protection.

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