Top 3 Rock Climbs Around Colorado

Posted by on Jul 13, 2016 in Rock Climbing, Summer
Top 3 Rock Climbs Around Colorado

Whether you are a trad climber, big wall, sport, top rope or even a boulderer there are endless amounts of options all around Colorado. If you have never been rock climbing before but are looking for a physically and mentally demanding sport that tests your strength, endurance, balance and agility, then this is just the sport for you. Here are the Top 3 Rock Climbing Spots to check out around Colorado! 

pikes-peak-1269035_1280Clear Creek CanyonCome out to the Clear Creek Canyon and experience some well known sport climbs and trad climbs located just west of Golden, Colorado. The rock varies from schist and gneiss to a sandy granite, that is relatively solid. The canyon has a variety of ratings. If you are looking for some beginner climbing, High Wire Crag and Catslab are options. Some more advanced climbing is going to be Anarchy Wall, The River Wall and Primo Wall. There is also an RV park near the mouth of the canyon. If you love to rock climb and are looking for a beautiful place to do so, then this is where you want to check out! 

Garden of the GodsOne of the oldest established rock climbing areas in the United States is Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs. This is a 1,368-acre city park that is nestled against the mountains below Pikes Peak. There are towering sandstone formations and towers on the western edge, so pick the best route for you! You definitely have to be a particular climber to come here. If you stick to the well-traveled routes, you can find crisp edges, friction smears, pockets and large potholes on clean sandstone. There is definitely some spots with soft sandstone, loose flakes and runouts between fixed gear so make sure you know what you are doing out there! Make sure to check out the Garden of the Gods if you are looking for some good climbing, you’ll find routes that vary from 40 ft– 375 ft which are mostly face climbs.  

DSC_2031Rocky Mountain National ParkIf you happen to love rock climbing just as much as you love to whitewater raft then you are in for a treat! If you are a advanced rafter and are looking to rent gear then check out Colorado River Rentals and then head out to Rocky Mountain National Park to get your climbing fix in! RMNP is known to have some of most beautiful climbing in the U.S. There are long routes ranging from grade III-V. If you are looking for some beginner routes take a look at the Northeast Ridge or even East Gullyon. A step up would be South Face, Syke’s Sickle and Hesse-Furguson. Don’t miss out and come check out some of the most beautiful climbs you will ever experience! 

Climbing can be a dangerous sport so, knowledge of proper techniques and usage of specialized equipment is crucial in completion of routes. Unbelievable rock climbing is found all over the state of Colorado, so get out there and explore what mother nature has gifted us! You will not be disappointed!