Welcome to Wildcat!
It all begins with an idea.
We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our store in spring 2024! As the ultimate hub for all your alpine adventure needs, we can't wait to welcome you to our store and set you up for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
Gear up for your adventure:
At Wildcat Mountaineering, we understand the importance of having reliable and high-quality gear to explore the vertical world. Our store will be stocked with an extensive selection of top-notch gear, ensuring that you have everything you need for a safe and successful alpine expedition. From state-of-the-art climbing equipment to technical clothing designed to withstand the harshest conditions, we have you covered from head to toe.
Expert guidance and personalized service:
Our knowledgeable staff is passionate about mountaineering and experienced in various alpine pursuits. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a beginner taking your first steps in the mountains, we are here to assist you every step of the way. We'll provide expert advice, tailored recommendations, and help you find the perfect fit for your adventure needs.
Explore our range of products:
Alpine climbing equipment: Ropes, carabiners, harnesses, helmets, and more.
Technical clothing: Insulated jackets, waterproof pants, base layers, and accessories.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots, crampons, and approach shoes.
Backpacks and gear bags: Ergonomically designed packs with ample storage options.
Camping gear: Tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and more.
Navigation tools: Compasses, maps, GPS devices, and altimeters.
Safety equipment: Avalanche beacons, probes, shovels, and first aid kits.
Accessories: Headlamps, gloves, hats, sunglasses, and much more.
Join our community:
Apart from being your go-to store for alpine adventures, Wildcat Mountaineering is committed to building a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. We will organize workshops, training sessions, and events to enhance your skills and knowledge, while providing a platform for you to connect with fellow adventurers.
As we gear up for our grand opening in spring 2024, we invite you to mark your calendars and prepare yourself for an unparalleled shopping experience. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Wildcat Mountaineering and discover the finest gear available for your alpine pursuits.
Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to follow us on social media for exclusive offers and exciting giveaways. We look forward to embarking on this incredible journey with you.
See you soon!
An Angler’s Guide to St. Vrain
It all begins with an idea.
Fly fishing in St. Vrain Canyon can be a rewarding experience, and the choice of flies can vary depending on the time of year, water conditions, and the specific section of the canyon you're fishing. Here are some general recommendations for fly patterns to use when fly fishing in St. Vrain Canyon:
Spring and Early Summer (March to June):
Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Patterns: This may include BWO dries, emergers, and nymphs. BWO hatches are common in the spring and can provide excellent dry fly fishing opportunities.
Caddis Patterns: Caddisflies are active during the spring months. Elk Hair Caddis and various caddis nymphs are effective choices.
Stonefly Patterns: Stonefly nymphs, such as the Pat's Rubber Legs, can be productive, especially in early spring when stoneflies are active.
Midge Patterns: Midges are a year-round food source for trout. Use midge larvae and pupa patterns in smaller sizes.
Summer (July to August):
Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Patterns: PMD dries and nymphs can be effective during PMD hatches, which are common in the summer.
Terrestrial Patterns: Grasshoppers, ants, and beetles are abundant in the canyon during the summer months. Try using hopper patterns like the Parachute Hopper.
Caddis Patterns: Continue to use caddis patterns, especially in the evenings when caddis hatches are prevalent.
Late Summer and Fall (September to October):
Trico Patterns: Trico hatches can be important in late summer. Use small Trico patterns, both dries and nymphs.
Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Patterns: BWO hatches can return in the fall. Be prepared with BWO dries and nymphs.
Streamers: As temperatures cool and fish become more aggressive, streamer patterns like Woolly Buggers and Sculpins can be effective for enticing larger trout.
Year-Round (Throughout the Seasons):
Midge Patterns: Midges are present year-round, so midge larvae and pupa patterns in various sizes are essential for consistent success.
Copper John: This versatile nymph pattern, available in various colors and sizes, can be effective in St. Vrain Canyon throughout the year.
Woolly Bugger: Woolly Buggers in various colors, such as black, olive, and brown, imitate a variety of aquatic and terrestrial food sources and can be productive year-round.
Zebra Midge: This simple pattern is highly effective for imitating midge larvae and pupae.
San Juan Worm: A San Juan Worm pattern in red or pink can be productive when fish are feeding on aquatic worms.
Keep in mind that local fly shops and fellow anglers familiar with the specific conditions in St. Vrain Canyon can provide valuable insights and recommendations for successful fly fishing in the area. Additionally, matching the hatch and adapting your fly selection to the current conditions will increase your chances of success when fly fishing in St. Vrain Canyon.
In Praise of the Obscure
At the mouth of two canyon systems, Lyons, Colorado quietly awaits those climbers willing to venture beyond the well-trodden paths of Eldorado Canyon, Boulder Canyon, and The Lumpy Ridge. As the shop owner in this overlooked climbing haven, I've come to appreciate its hidden charms and the unique appeal of its forgotten walls.
The allure of St. Vrain Canyons lies not in its popularity but in its obscurity. While neighboring areas draw climbers by the thousands, St. Vrain offers solitude and the thrill of exploration. Here, the virgin rock beckons with promises of first ascents and forgotten classics waiting to be rediscovered. For the adventurous climber seeking pristine routes and unparalleled tranquility, this is the place to be.
What sets St. Vrain apart is its untouched beauty and uncharted potential. Unlike the polished classics of Eldorado or the bustling crags of Boulder Canyon, St. Vrain's walls are a canvas waiting to be painted with chalk and the determination of climbers willing to tackle the challenges it presents. Yes, the approaches can be rugged, the fixed hardware questionable, and the lichen abundant. But therein lies the adventure.
To climbers weary of the crowds, St. Vrain offers a refreshing alternative. Picture yourself on a route where the only sounds are the wind rustling through the trees and the distant call of a red-tailed hawk. Imagine pulling a sequence on a route that hasn't seen a climber in years, reclaiming a slice of climbing history one move at a time.
In the age of Google, Mountain Project, and algorithms, climbers have lost the art of driving around and scouting for walls that look like they have to go! When we plug in the GPS coordinates to a trailhead on our phone and drive like hell to get on a 4-star climb before anyone else, we overlook the gems hidden in the shadows of more famous crags.
St. Vrain is a reminder that greatness isn't always measured by guidebook ratings or Instagram likes. It's found in the rawness of the experience, in forging new paths both on the rock and in our climbing journeys.
So, to those who crave the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of climbing in its most authentic form, I say: venture into the St. Vrain Canyons. Embrace the challenges, savor the solitude, and uncover the treasures that await in these backwater crags. The future classics are here, waiting to be climbed by those bold enough to seek them out.
In St. Vrain, the true spirit of climbing lives on—a testament to adventure, exploration, and the timeless allure of the unknown.
At the mouth of two canyon systems, Lyons, Colorado quietly awaits those climbers willing to venture beyond the well-trodden paths of Eldorado Canyon, Boulder Canyon, and The Lumpy Ridge. As the shop owner in this overlooked climbing haven, I've come to appreciate its hidden charms and the unique appeal of its forgotten walls.
The allure of St. Vrain Canyons lies not in its popularity but in its obscurity. While neighboring areas draw climbers by the thousands, St. Vrain offers solitude and the thrill of exploration. Here, the virgin rock beckons with promises of first ascents and forgotten classics waiting to be rediscovered. For the adventurous climber seeking pristine routes and unparalleled tranquility, this is the place to be.
What sets St. Vrain apart is its untouched beauty and uncharted potential. Unlike the polished classics of Eldorado or the bustling crags of Boulder Canyon, St. Vrain's walls are a canvas waiting to be painted with chalk and the determination of climbers willing to tackle the challenges it presents. Yes, the approaches can be rugged, the fixed hardware questionable, and the lichen abundant. But therein lies the adventure.
To climbers weary of the crowds, St. Vrain offers a refreshing alternative. Picture yourself on a route where the only sounds are the wind rustling through the trees and the distant call of a red-tailed hawk. Imagine pulling a sequence on a route that hasn't seen a climber in years, reclaiming a slice of climbing history one move at a time.
In the age of Google, Mountain Project, and algorithms, climbers have lost the art of driving around and scouting for walls that look like they have to go! When we plug in the GPS coordinates to a trailhead on our phone and drive like hell to get on a 4-star climb before anyone else, we overlook the gems hidden in the shadows of more famous crags.
St. Vrain is a reminder that greatness isn't always measured by guidebook ratings or Instagram likes. It's found in the rawness of the experience, in forging new paths both on the rock and in our climbing journeys.
So, to those who crave the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of climbing in its most authentic form, I say: venture into the St. Vrain Canyons. Embrace the challenges, savor the solitude, and uncover the treasures that await in these backwater crags. The future classics are here, waiting to be climbed by those bold enough to seek them out.
In St. Vrain, the true spirit of climbing lives on—a testament to adventure, exploration, and the timeless allure of the unknown.