Climbing: Rock & Ice
Sometimes You Just Need to Get A Grip
Rock Climbing
Summer or winter, you’ll find plenty of places for climbing and bouldering in and around Glenwood Springs. With names like the Mudwall, Dead Horse, the Neighborhood, the Slab and Quartzite Wasteland climbing fans won’t run out of routes anytime soon, and that’s just in Glenwood Canyon. The trick however, is to consult with outfitters, guides and gear suppliers for maps and advice. Routes can be tricky or hazardous. Area guides know the best places, have years of experience and the necessary permits that allow them to access areas that would be off limits to the general public.
Glenwood Canyon
For a quick climbing fix on a safe and proven route, head to the east side of the Glenwood Springs Tunnels. Known as the Puoux (pronounced “pukes”), this limestone sport crag offers good climbing year round and is divided into four sections: Roadside Wall, Main Wall, Upper Levels and Fault Wall. Each section has a number of climbing routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Because of its proximity to town, this is popular climbing destination; please help keep it pristine for those who come after you.
Rifle Mountain Park
Twenty-five minutes west of Glenwood Springs you’ll find some of the best limestone sport climbing in North America. Rifle Mountain Park is home to a high density of 5.13 -5.14 challenging sport routes, and climbers from all over the country and the world clamber for the opportunity to test their skills on the Leadville limestone. Some high profile routes include the Arsenal, the Wasteland and the Anti-Phil.
Ice Climbing
Along with outstanding climbing, Rifle Mountain Park and Glenwood Canyon both offer ice climbing opportunities. Due to temperatures and precipitation, conditions at both locales can vary. Check in with outfitters or guides about ice climbing conditions.
When climbing at Rifle Mountain Park, keep in mind there is a day use fee and limited parking.
Glenwood Adventure Company
723 Cooper Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: 877-346-4536 or 970-945-7529
glenwoodadventure.com
Summit Canyon Mountaineering
732 Grand Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: 800-360-6994 or 970-945-6994
summitcanyon.com
Glenwood Climbing Guides
Phone: 970-309-4795
glenwoodclimbingguides.com
Indoor Climbing Walls
Glenwood Springs Community Center
The climbing wall here offers top rope, auto-belay routes on a surface that simulates many features of actual rock, including multiple small crack climbs. This wall also has 20-30 bouldering problems for non-roped challenges. Perfect for many ability levels, the wall has built-in routes that follow the contours of the rock ranging in difficulty from 5.10 to 5.14. Entrance fee is required, hours vary.
100 Wulfsohn Road
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 81601
Phone: 970-384-6301
glenwoodrec.com
Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley Campus
Groups looking for professionally facilitated adventure experiences are welcome on Colorado Mountain College’s climbing wall and high ropes course. Advance reservations are required. The climbing wall is indoors, available year round and has a broad range of routes from beginner to expert. There are six top-ropes and dozens of bouldering problems capable of accommodating up to thirty people at a time.
802 Grand Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: 970-947-8237 or 800-621-8559
coloradomtn.edu
Outdoor Climbing Walls
Glenwood Canyon Resort
Located just east of Glenwood Springs at the No Name exit, Glenwood Canyon Resort is home base for all sorts of adventures, including climbing. A 40-foot climbing wall tests even the most sure-footed. The climbing wall is part of some of the resort’s zipline and high ropes activity packages.
1308 County Road 129
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Phone: 970-945-6737
glenwoodcanyonresort.com
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Scaling the 32-foot climbing wall with five challenging routes is just one of many activities available at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The wall is sprinkled with “fossils” that make it extra exciting for youngsters, but adults who choose to go vertical will find plenty of challenges on each of the five routes. The climbing wall is included with Glenwood Cavern’s all-day pass.
51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Phone: 970-945-4228 or 800-530-1635
glenwoodcaverns.com
