Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rock Climbing & Mountaineering
Despite a wealth of granite, sandstone and even limestone cliffs and outcrops, there are also
many rock-climbing gyms, walls and outdoor bouldering parks - all the better to hone the
skills for when you're ready to get serious. All the gyms offer instruction, and plenty of
outfitters offer intensive multiday clinics for newbies and those wishing to refine their
skills.
Where to Rock Climb
Around Boulder
Boulder's sticky Flatirons offer scores of classic routes. In fact there are 1145 rock-climb-
ing routes in the Boulder area, with the majority found in the Flatirons (with walls up to
900ft high), Boulder Canyon and Eldorado Canyon (a spectacular site with dozens of 700ft
climbs).
Northern Mountains
There are approximately 44 climbing routes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Buena
Vista has great climbing at Elephant Rock and Bob's Rock off Tunnels Rd, and it has foam-
core bouldering in its riverside park.
Central Mountains
Camp Hale offers 22 climbing routes graded from 5.9 to 5.11c, and Independence Pass has
60 routes, including the intense bulge that is Bulldog Balcony.
Southwest Colorado
Durango and Ouray are the stars of southwestern Colorado. Ouray Ice Park is a narrow slot
canyon with 200ft walls and waterfalls frozen in thick sheets - perfect for ice climbing. Co-
lorado National Monument near Grand Junction has superb climbing in Unaweep Canyon
