The Scoop

This is one of the best problems at Horsetooth, the kind of problem that begs to be climbed. It is in the league with the quality of the famous

Mental Block

and

Eliminator problems

, but it's so isolated from the other problems at Rotary that I'm not sure if many people bother to come check out this one problem. It is a stemming problem reminiscent of

Stem Gem

at Joshua Tree. If the power problems on the

Mental Block

frustrate you, then try The Scoop where technique and a clear head are more important.

Actually, this is located pretty far north of Rotary Park. It's best to drive north from the Rotary parking area until you get to the Sunrise Day Use Parking (about 3/4 mile). Hike south from this parking area on an obvious trail that skirts along the clifftop. It heads down a hill, then back uphill through some pines. When you emerge from the pines, keep an eye out on your right for a rusty pipe sticking out of the rock. Scramble down a break in the cliff right after this pipe. At the base of the cliff, hike about 15 yards south and The Scoop will be the obvious, tan face. Climb up the middle of the face, to the roof and pull over.

Flat landing, pads.