You probably already have checked out our other areas that we have extensively talked about (Bouldering in Castlewood, Climbing at Table Mountain, Getting Started in Climbing. However there are dozens of great climbing destinations near Denver that are very worthy of mentioning. Here is our quick and dirty on areas you need to check out.
Overview of all areas that you need to check out:
- Castlewood Canyon Sport Climbing
- Clear Creek Canyon Sport Climbing
- Boulder Canyon Sport Climbing
- Morrison Bouldering at the Darkside and the Black Hole
- Eldorado Trad Climbing
- South Platte Introduction
Castlewood Canyon Sport Climbing:
As discussed previously about Castlewood Canyon Bouldering we know that the canyon is absolutely beautiful, kind of hard to navigate, with amazing climbs. What we didn’t talk about was the plethora of quality sport climbs and even trad climbs that cover the walls of this massive canyon. Not to mention that it is rare to encounter other climbing parties at Castlewood and many days you may be the only ones in the entire canyon. Drive Time from DU: 35 Minutes
Alpine Club in Castlewood
Overview: With several hundred bolted routes and a large number of trad climbs, Castlewood can keep your appetite for climbing satisfied. The ease of access to the cliff tops also means that top-roping can easily be done through-out the canyone. Lastly, due to the canyon’s layout you can climb in almost any kind of weather through-out the year and have very enjoyable days.
Recommended Areas of Visit:
- Patrick Hedgeclipper/C-Section Wall: Bush-whacking is required to get to this wall, but the beautiful routes located along this section are well worth the 15 min hike. Check out some of the quality routes such as Beta Slave (5.10c), Entry Level (5.8), and the prominent black streaked Patrick Hedgeclipper (5.11c). Also known as the Center Section Wall.
- Project X wall: Just up from the Patrick Hedgeclipper area is another collection of great routes. Lothar (5.9) travels up unique holds on a massive boulder that has separated from the cliffs as well as Skunk Budtress (5.10a) which follows typical castlewood routes: not too long, hard cobble/incuts, and somewhat steep.
- Grocery Store Wall: The shortest hike and the best place for top-roping. The number of sport routes are somewhat lacking in this area as top-ropes dominate this wall. Each top-rope has bolted anchors which are easily accessible if you hike around the lookers right side of the cliffs. Great place to bring groups or if you are not quite ready for lead climbing.
- Countless other walls are across the canyon. We have just listed a few of our favorites.
Resources:
- Further details can be found on Mountain Project’s Castlewood Section
- Maps of the Area:
Clear Creek Canyon Sport Climbing
Overview: Clear Creek Canyon is home to an enormous amount of high-quality Sport-climbing that sits along the roaring Clear Creek river. The type of climbing ranges from easy single-pitch lead climbs to very overhung and difficult climbs. Most climbs require lead-climbing. Their are numerous crags with some being just minutes from the car to others being long-hauls up steep slopes. Recommended areas of visit to a new CCC climber would be High Wire Crag , Catslab, Little Eiger, and Red Slab; crowds will be at the popular areas during nice weekends and summer evenings. Drive Time from DU: 35 Minutes.
More Details: More detailed information can be found out on Mountain Project: http://mountainproject.com/v/colorado/golden/clear_creek_canyon/105744243
Boulder Canyon Climbing
Overview: Boulder Canyon is home to a nearly limitless amount of sport climbing, trad-climbing, and hard-bouldering. Climbs are on major crags running all along Boulder Creek sitting with many in picturesque locations in a beautiful forest setting. We suggest using a guide-book such as the new “Boulder Canyon Rock Climbs by Bob D’Antonio” due to the sheer size of the canyon. For a start we recommend The
Sport Park as a good place to get a feel for the rock and the style. Many more wilderness crags are worth exploring. Drive Time from DU: 45 Minutes.
More Details: More detailed information can be found out on Mountain Project: http://mountainproject.com/v/colorado/boulder/boulder_canyon/105744222
Morrison Bouldering at the Darkside and the Black Hole
Overview: The Morrison boulders are a classic bouldering area along the Front Range with
a very long history. The Black Hole is situated just above the town of Morrison and offers a concentration of of problems in an easy to get to location. The area represents more of a outdoor gym then other bouldering areas, however this is a great place to get an quick session in or continually work on improving your strength and technique. We highly suggest eating at Willy’s Wings after any session near Morrison. Drive Time from DU: 20 Minutes.
More Details: More detailed information can be found out on Mountain Project: http://mountainproject.com/v/colorado/morrisonevergreen/morrison_boulders/105744288
Eldorado Trad Climbing and Bouldering
Overview: Eldorado is one of the world’s most famous and finest climbing areas. With a rich history in trad climbing, this canyon will not disappoint. Located just outside of Boulder it is a must visit for any climber if just to see a area that is rich in climbing history. The vast majority of the climbing is Traditional with classics like Calypso (5.6) to hard trad test pieces up to 5.14 have been established. Additionally great bouldering can be found throughout the canyon and holds some of the most famous boulders such as Germ Free (v5). Located in a state park and requires a small entrance fee. Drive Time from DU: 45 Minutes.
More Details: More detailed information can be found out on Mountain Project: http://mountainproject.com/v/colorado/boulder/eldorado_canyon_sp/105744246
South Platte Introduction
Gearing up in Elevenmile Canyon
Gearing up in Elevenmile Canyon
Overview: The South Platte is a massive geological area that hosts an enormous amounts of sport, trad, and bouldering. Many of the areas are located in some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado near Denver. Most of the areas require an adventure spirit to climb at due to locations and route-finding. Key areas are Devils Head for sport climbing, Cathedral Spires for Trad, and Sheep’s Nose for bouldering. Elevenmile Canyon is also an amazing destination with great camping and all types of climbing. Drive Time from DU: 1-2 hours depending on location.
More Details: More detailed information can be found out on Mountain Project:http://mountainproject.com/v/colorado/south_platte/105797719