Peak Name: "Zowie"

Peak Height: 11,540'

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Route: South Face

Trailhead: Bear Lake (9500')

Difficulty: 5.8+

Round Trip Stats: 7 mi, 2500 ft

Date Climbed: 6/18/2016

Zowie is one of the numerous towers adorning the southern flanks of Otis Peak. Its basically a smaller version of the famous Petit Grepon. The south face makes for a chill little adventure in the middle of summer when its hot in town and you want an alpine climb minus the dreaded alpine start.

The approach is short and the route is usually done in five to six pitches, the final one being 5.8+ and the rest significantly easier. There is an alternate first pitch for those looking for a bit more of a challenge, a long and sustained 5.8 dihedral known as One For the Red Team. The descent is a piece of cake, requiring just three single rope rappels and some downhill walking. Plus chances are you'll have the tower to yourselves, a welcome relief in this park where the crowds seem to multiple every year.