{"id":5899,"date":"2017-01-12T21:56:15","date_gmt":"2017-01-13T04:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/?p=5899"},"modified":"2017-01-28T20:11:30","modified_gmt":"2017-01-29T03:11:30","slug":"observatory-rock-w0csp102","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/","title":{"rendered":"W0C\/SP-102 (Observatory Rock) &#8211; 3070 m \/ 10073 ft"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>W0C\/SP-102<br \/>\nObservatory Rock<br \/>\n3070 m \/ 10073 ft<br \/>\nOct 12, 2015 solo<br \/>\nSep 5, 2016 with N0TA and WA2USA<\/p>\n<p>By KX0R<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.summitpost.org\/observatory-rock\/154741\">Observatory Rock<\/a> is a high, prominent summit named for its resemblance to an observatory dome.<\/p>\n<p>Key Points:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Pike National Forest<br \/>\n\u2022 Access via fair dirt roads<br \/>\n\u2022 Prominent, high rock outcrop<br \/>\n\u2022 No marked trail<br \/>\n\u2022 Fun Class 3 scramble required to summit<br \/>\n\u2022 South side parking at ~ 9400 feet<br \/>\n\u2022 ~ 1.0 mile round-trip<br \/>\n\u2022 ~ 670 vertical feet<br \/>\n\u2022 Fine HF site<br \/>\n\u2022 No red tape or special rules<br \/>\n\u2022 SOTA Classic!<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-930\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5071-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-5880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5071-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5071-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5071-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5071-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5071-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-5880'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Located on the east side of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Park_(Park_County,_Colorado)\">South Park<\/a>, almost 5 miles northwest of <a href=\"http:\/\/cpw.state.co.us\/swa\/Tarryall%20Reservoir%20SWA\">Tarryall Reservoir<\/a>, Observatory Rock is easy to spot from Highway 77. This prominent outcrop provides an exciting scramble up a natural radio tower made of ancient granitic rock. On the right day, climbing and activating this peak is a lot of fun!<\/p>\n<p>Driving Instructions:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Start by driving to South Park, either via Highway 285 from Denver, or via Highway 24 from Colorado Springs.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Continue to Tarryall Reservoir via the Tarryall Road, Highway 77, which runs north from Highway 24 near Lake George, to Highway 285 at Jefferson.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Near the south end of Tarryall Reservoir, turn west off Highway 77 onto dirt road 23 &#8211; the Turner Gulch Road. Follow Road 23 around the Reservoir and west about 2-1\/2 miles.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Where Road 23 forks off to the south at the top of a hill, keep right &#8211; Forest Road 146 heads off to the northwest \u2013 look for a sign.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/w0csp113-eagle-rock-2954-9710-ft\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-921\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"738\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5095-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Eagle Rock Road FR-146\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-5878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5095-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5095-2-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5095-2-768x567.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5095-2-250x185.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5095-2-407x300.jpg 407w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-5878'>\n\t\t\t\tEagle Rock Road FR-146\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>\u2022 Follow rough 2WD dirt road FR-146 down a rocky hill into a valley and back up, for about a mile from Road 23 to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.summitpost.org\/eagle-rock\/154776\">Eagle Rock<\/a> \u2013 you can\u2019t miss it on the right! The road passes directly south of <a href=\"http:\/\/wp.me\/p1XRZT-1wy\">Eagle Rock<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/w0csp113-eagle-rock-2954-9710-ft\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-932\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5090-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-5882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5090-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5090-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5090-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5090-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5090-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-5882'>\n\t\t\t\tEagle Rock South Side\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>\u2022 Note that the road numbers on Google Maps differ slightly from the USFS Visitor Map for Pike National Forest<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 From Eagle Rock, continue northwest on FR-146\/148 for about 1-1\/2 miles<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Soon after a 3-way intersection with FR-146\/148, turn right on marked FR- 834. If it\u2019s dry, this road may be OK for 2WD cars with good clearance.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Drive carefully north down the small lumpy road, past Berkey Spring<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Continue past Copenhaver Gulch &#8211; Observatory Rock looms ahead to the north<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 About 2 miles from the turn-off from 146\/148, there\u2019s a 4-way junction in a flat open area. Go straight, northwest, and ascend about 0.6 mile up a little valley via a small unmarked high-clearance 2WD road. This trail leads directly to the south side of Observatory Rock. Although it\u2019s not shown on Google Maps or the Pike Forest map, it\u2019s easy to see on the satellite image. There\u2019s a campsite about \u00bc mile south of the Rock.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-929\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5068-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-5879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5068-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5068-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5068-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5068-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5068-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-5879'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock Access\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-931\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5074-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-5881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5074-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5074-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5074-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5074-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5074-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-5881'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock Road Junction\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>\u2022 Park near the campsite<\/p>\n<p>The Climb:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Climb up the wide gully west of the huge rock; I found no real trail, but there are game trails.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-927\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5063-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-5876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5063-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5063-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5063-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5063-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5063-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-5876'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock Southwest Approach\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>\u2022 Aim for the saddle at 9800 feet between Observatory Rock and its western sub-peak.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Ascending slightly left of the gully worked OK to me \u2013 avoid the outcrops on the east side.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 At the saddle, head east up the steep open ridge toward the summit.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 After climbing 200 vertical feet up the ridge, the route leads into a gully on the west side of the Rock. There may be a cairn or two, as well as a faint trail. The gully contains an ancient pine tree right below the summit.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 The correct route goes right up the rock to the head of the gully. The photos show the route. The climb is Class 2 and Class 3 for about 25-30 vertical feet. You have to use your hands and feet on the rock, but it\u2019s not difficult \u2013 provided you have good footwear, and the rock is dry.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-925\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5059-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-6-5874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5059-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5059-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5059-2-250x333.jpg 250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-6-5874'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock Route Up \n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>\u2022 The gully is the best access to the top of the Rock, so it\u2019s essential to find this route on the west side; be sure to descend the same way.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-924\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5058-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-5873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5058-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5058-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5058-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5058-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5058-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-5873'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock Route Down\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Relevant Details:<\/p>\n<p>The top is about 670 vertical feet about the campsite below \u2013 and much higher than the terrain immediately to the east. The rocky summit is large and relatively flat &#8211; it\u2019s easy to set up an antenna pole. Moving around the summit is relatively safe, and the only exposure is around the edge. A convenient dead tree provides a good pole support.<\/p>\n<p>The Rock is effectively an 800-foot tower! There are no peaks nearby to raise the effective wave angle or block signals. With little development nearby, the HF noise level is very low.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-8' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-923\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5049-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-8-5872\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5049-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5049-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5049-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5049-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5049-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-8-5872'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock Activation 2\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>This summit\u2019s probably poor for VHF\/UHF contacts, because it doesn\u2019t look down on any population centers. It has good coverage of parts of South Park, but it\u2019s blocked by the mountains surrounding South Park.<\/p>\n<p>The views of South Park and the surrounding mountains are spectacular! You can gaze across vast distances while you\u2019re on the air \u2013 it\u2019s an amazing place. The high-point of the trip was when first activator Frank &#8211; K0JQZ &#8211; called me on 40M CW and told me that Observatory Rock was his favorite SOTA peak.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-9' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-937\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9298-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-9-5891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9298-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9298-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9298-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9298-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9298-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-9-5891'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock to Eagle Rock \n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>A dual activation of <a href=\"http:\/\/wp.me\/p1XRZT-1wy\">Eagle Rock<\/a> and Observatory Rock works well on a dry fall day. I was there in the middle of the week, and there was no one else on either summit. Please see the report on Eagle Rock W0C\/SP-113 for more information.<\/p>\n<p>I saw no hunters near either mountain, although they were out there. If you go during hunting season, wear hunter orange, and be careful.<\/p>\n<p>Unless the dirt roads are dry, a 4WD vehicle may be required to access this area.<\/p>\n<p>After activating Eagle Rock, the climb and activation of Observatory Rock was a supreme experience! Observatory Rock is a SOTA Classic for several reasons:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Iconic SOTA Peak<br \/>\n\u2022 Unique summit<br \/>\n\u2022 Short but challenging climb<br \/>\n\u2022 Fine views<br \/>\n\u2022 Ideal HF site<br \/>\n\u2022 Few visitors<\/p>\n<p>If Eagle Rock was fun, Observatory Rock will be more fun. On the other hand, if Eagle Rock was too freaky, better skip Observatory Rock \u2013 it\u2019s higher and more challenging. Both summits are well worth the drive to South Park \u2013 but save them for a special day!<\/p>\n<p>73<\/p>\n<p>George Carey Fuller<br \/>\nKX0R<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-10' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-919\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5033-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-10-5868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5033-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5033-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5033-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5033-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5033-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-10-5868'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock Summit\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-11' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-934\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9307-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-11-5888\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9307-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9307-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9307-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9307-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_9307-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-11-5888'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock &#8211; John N0TA and Dennis WA2USA\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-12 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-12 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-12 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-12 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-12' class='gallery galleryid-5899 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/attachment\/sierra-exif-jpeg-920\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5034-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-12-5869\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5034-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5034-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5034-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5034-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_5034-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-12-5869'>\n\t\t\t\tObservatory Rock View West\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<HR>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Achtung.svg\/877px-Achtung.svg.png\" alt=\"ATTENTION\" style=\"float:left\" height=\"41\" width=\"41\"> \n\n!! WARNING !! There are <b>old<\/b> mountaineers, and \n<b>bold<\/b> mountaineers... there are no old-bold mountaineers. \nHiking and mountain climbing are potentially hazardous activities particularly in Colorado with its extreme elevations. I am not accepting responsibility for any death or injury resulting from activations based on my trip reports. Proper training, experience, and personal capability assessment is required - enjoy!\n<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>W0C\/SP-102 Observatory Rock 3070 m \/ 10073 ft Oct 12, 2015 solo Sep 5, 2016 with N0TA and WA2USA By KX0R Observatory Rock is a high, prominent summit named for its resemblance to an observatory dome. Key Points: \u2022 Pike &hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/observatory-rock-w0csp102\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,16],"tags":[25,17,457,153,8,460,181,9,458,24,459],"class_list":["post-5899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sota-trip-report","category-wo","tag-activation","tag-amateur-radio","tag-eagle-rock","tag-kx0r","tag-mountain-topping","tag-observatory-rock","tag-route-description","tag-sota","tag-south-park","tag-summits-on-the-air","tag-w0csp-102"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5899","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5899"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5899\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6752,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5899\/revisions\/6752"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}