We didn't eat the Turkeys; they ate us.

Jeff, Jason and I made a pilgrimage to Turkey Rocks (Colorado) earlier this week. After reading some recent trip reports in the area, we had all planned to be wading around in snow. I bought an extra tarp to use as a tent foot print; I took my leather boots, lots of extra clothes, and even considered carrying along gaiters. As it turned out, the weather was perfect. The ground was nearly snow-free and we found the prime location camping spot. We were the only ones climbing in the area and we had a 15 minute hike to the saddle between Turkey Tail and Turkey Rock.

Day 1 – Turkey Perch

Jeff laid first assault up Honky Ass Jam Crack, an engaging 5.7 that served as a great warm-up. Jason and I each had our eye on Gobble Up, so we rochambeau’d for it. I lost. So, I opted for Left Handed Jew. Ironically, Jason later declared this his favorite climb of our whole trip. The jams were perfect and satisfying, the moves fun. I opted to do the traverse, which offers a fun little move into a slot.

Next up, Jason headed up Gobble Up. It turned out to be more strenuous and take more big gear than he had planned. Afterward, he declared that he really didn’t like the climb. I don’t think he fancies the wider cracks. I followed and loved it. I only regret not having led it.

Jeff decided to lead Reefer Madness. He made it about 15 feet up and had to back off because of a snowboarding injury to his shoulder. This injury plagued him the entire trip.

That meant my turn had come. I chose Ragger Bagger as my next climb. It included one 10+ foot section of off-width that chewed me up. I felt like a banana that’s been bounced around and crushed in a backpack and then taken out and left in the sun. I loved the climb, despite my difficulties on it. I ended up with a swollen right hand from desperate jamming and a blister on my right big toe from heel-toeing, not to mention the usual and numerous skin abrasions.

Jason finished up the day leading the rest of Reefer Madness. Jeff and I followed and we all agreed that this was a worthy climb.

Day 2 – Turkey Rock and back to Turkey Perch

For sake of variety, we decided to amble over to Turkey Rock. As we approached, we realized that this crag offered more serious climbs. They looked longer and more difficult. Some of the off-widths looked intimidating. It reminded me a little of Devil’s Tower, with steep columns separated by body-width cracks.

Jason led Dash and Thrangle, a fun short pitch. Jeff and I both followed. This would be Jeff’s last climb of the trip.

I eyed Gobbler’s Grunt, a climb that looks twice as long as Gobble Up, but similar in nature. Considering it too ambitious for this trip, I decided that I’d like try it sometime later this summer. This is the type of climbing I favor most—long and sustained crack.

I tackled P1 of Night Time Madness. I opted for the variation, which goes straight up, and through a slot. I found this to be more difficult than expected, but still enjoyable.

Being next, Jason decided he wanted to lead Left Handed Jew, so we packed up and relocated to Turkey Perch. He led; I followed. That climb marked the end of our trip.

I found three climbs that I’d like to go back and lead: Gobble Up, Gobbler’s Grunt and Steppenwolf. I think I’ll give Ragger Bagger another try. I’d really like to improve my off-width technique. I love Turkey Rocks and I’m going to try there as much as possible this summer.

Over and out..

P.S. I'm including a couple of the photos that made it onto my camera. Once I get photos from Jason and Jeff, I'll post more.