Colorado National Monument Rock Climbing Information

Availability

Availability: Climbing in Colorado National Monument is available year round weather permitting. The weather is generally very hot between May and September.

Guided Rock Climbing Trip Rates

1 Guide Half Day (4 hours) Regular Day (6 hours) Full Day (8 hours)
1 Guest $309 $369 $429
2 Guests $249 $309 $369
3 Guests $199 $249 $309
4 Guests $149 $199 $249
2 guides to keep low ratios for the best experience!
5-8 Guests $119 $149 $199

Rate Information:

Rates are per person, e.g. 3 people for a Regular Day would be $259/person for a total of $777. Trip start times are custom but generally we recommend 8AM starts for most rock climbing May through September to avoid heat, crowding, and afternoon thunderstorms.

Discount Information: We appreciate our guests but discounts are limited to the following and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Early Bird Discounts and Last Chance Pricing: Book early and save! Schedule any rock climbing trip a month or more in advance for a 10% discount. Any trip booked with less than 48 hours notice incur a $100 convenience fee.

Bundle Pricing: The ultimate way to get started climbing! Purchase 3 or more days of climbing guiding or instruction at once for a 10% discount. Schedule at your convenience.

Colorado National Monument is located on the Western Slope on the south side of the city of Grand Junction, Colorado. The most convenient flights are to Grand Junction but many people travelling to Colorado will use Denver International Airport which is about four and a half hours.

Typical Meeting Location:



Climb Name Climb Description
Dihedral #1 (5.9 2 pitches) While the second pitch is rarely done the first pitch as a great introduction to the area as well as the lieback technique with high friction sandstone and positive holds in this enjoyable corner system. Dihedral #1
Otto's Route (5.9, 4 pitches) The method of the ascent is a bit questionable by modern standards but was a historic feat for John Otto in 1911, particularly since he climbed primarily without a rope or a belay. This climbs a series of cracks starting on the north side of Independence Tower. The final headwall leads to a large summit over 400 feet off the ground. Otto's Route
Fast Draw (5.10c, 2 pitches) Requiring a variety of crack skills the excitement starts before you even get to the base of the route usually requiring a rappel from the rim. A couple pitches of cracks and chimneys lead to this small summit where you can wave to the tourists on the rim and get good views of the desert valley. Fast Draw

Trips Include

-Group climbing equipment (ropes, carabiners, etc).

-Individual climbing equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, and belay devices).

-Guide with AMGA Training and Certification for climbing and instruction.

Trip Excludes

-Transportation to climbing sites or any sort of lodging.

-Guide gratuities.

-Personal clothing and footwear.

-Personal snacks and water.

-Trip Insurance

-Other costs not associated with services provided by The Colorado Climbing Company.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

If for some reason you need to cancel your course or trip outside of 30 days you will receive a full refund less service charges to cover our costs incurred. For trips less than $500 this service charge is $50 and for those more than $500 this service charge is $100 or 10% of the trip cost, whichever is greater. If you must cancel within 30 days of the course or trip a refund of 50% will be given. All balances are due in full before the start of any course or trip and no refunds will be given beyond the course or trip date. In the case of unsafe conditions, weather or other circumstances beyond our control we will do our best to reschedule or issue a credit for a future trip. If this isn't possible you will receive a refund less the previously outlined service charges.

Climbing in Colorado National Monument

Before one gets to the famed deserts of Utah they generally pass by their first glimpse of the desert that can be seen distantly from the interstate while descending from the mountains. This Western Slope crag has a variety of climbs on sandstone fins and spires to delight beginners and experienced climbers. The easier walls of Lower Monument Canyon have several climbs to keep beginners engaged and learning climbing basics while some of the well known desert towers like Independence Monument have bigger climbs for anyone looking to get their first taste of the sandstone spires.


While the climbs of Colorado National Monument make up the western edge of Grand Junction it's status in the National Park system makes it fairly quiet. Warm winters make this a great destination for fall or winter. Summers can be hot but early starts make it reasonable except when the rain make the sandstone more fragile. In which case nearby Unaweep Canyon is another option.

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