Guide leads the way on Cloak and Dagger in the Black Canyon
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Black Canyon NP Rock Climbing Trips

Black Canyon NP Rock Climbing Trips

Some of the biggest, baddest, and most amazing rock climbing in Colorado

Some of the biggest, baddest, and most amazing rock climbing in Colorado

Black Canyon NP Rock Climbing Trips

Some of the biggest, baddest, and most amazing rock climbing in Colorado

Few places in the country match the raw drama of Black Canyon of the Gunnison — ancient walls dropping thousands of feet into one of the most committing and spectacular gorges in the United States. The routes here demand respect, preparation, and a guide who knows the canyon well.

Few places in the country match the raw drama of Black Canyon of the Gunnison — ancient walls dropping thousands of feet into one of the most committing and spectacular gorges in the United States. The routes here demand respect, preparation, and a guide who knows the canyon well.

Quick Facts

Location:

Crawford

Crawford

Prime Season:

Spring and Fall

Spring and Fall

Duration:

8-12 hrs

8-12 hrs

Itinerary Type:

Private

Private

Skill Level:

Difficult-Extreme

Difficult-Extreme

Price:

From $386

From $386

I've done some multipitch climbing but I'm relatively new. How would I know if I'm ready for the Black?

The Black Canyon is a committing area since we have to hike or rappel deep into the canyon and then climb out. If you can't make it we'll have to literally haul you out making for an unpleasant experience for you and the guide. If you're solid on 5.9/5.10 multi pitch climbs then you shouldn't worry too much. If you're unsure of your skills then you should do a prep day with us in a less committing area like Unaweep Canyon to assess your skills and fitness.

Is there camping nearby?

The North Rim is the campground you want. It can often fill up quickly and there are no reservations so you may consider staying in nearby Crawford as a backup plan.

Which rim do you climb on?

Typical climbing trips are on the North Rim. There is climbing on the South Rim but much of the explored climbing and highest trafficked routes are on the North side making it the most common objective.

Can we sleep on the wall?

While it's possible it is not something we typically offer. With competent guides we typically start early and finish before it's too dark. If you have a particular objective in mind or just want the experience of sleeping on a wall we're happy to discuss those logistics and your previous experience.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

The Black Canyon earns its reputation immediately. Ancient granite walls rise thousands of feet from the river below. Routes are bold, committing, and unlike anything else in Colorado. This isn't a crag for ticking sport routes it's a place where route-finding, gear placement, and mental composure matter as much as physical ability. Guided trips are the smartest way to experience it, especially for climbers visiting for the first time.

The canyon's geology makes for fascinating and varied climbing. The dark granite is threaded with pale pegmatite intrusions that create natural crack systems and features up and down the wall. Because you descend into the canyon routes are committing as they are traditional with few bolts making this an area best for climbers with some experience.

Black Canyon sits just west of Gunnison near Crawford on the most commonly climbed North Rim, making it a natural pairing with a trip to Hartman Rocks or a broader Western Slope climbing adventure.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

The Black Canyon earns its reputation immediately. Ancient granite walls rise thousands of feet from the river below. Routes are bold, committing, and unlike anything else in Colorado. This isn't a crag for ticking sport routes it's a place where route-finding, gear placement, and mental composure matter as much as physical ability. Guided trips are the smartest way to experience it, especially for climbers visiting for the first time.

The canyon's geology makes for fascinating and varied climbing. The dark granite is threaded with pale pegmatite intrusions that create natural crack systems and features up and down the wall. Because you descend into the canyon routes are committing as they are traditional with few bolts making this an area best for climbers with some experience.

Black Canyon sits just west of Gunnison near Crawford on the most commonly climbed North Rim, making it a natural pairing with a trip to Hartman Rocks or a broader Western Slope climbing adventure.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Includes

The Black Canyon earns its reputation immediately. Ancient granite walls rise thousands of feet from the river below. Routes are bold, committing, and unlike anything else in Colorado. This isn't a crag for ticking sport routes it's a place where route-finding, gear placement, and mental composure matter as much as physical ability. Guided trips are the smartest way to experience it, especially for climbers visiting for the first time.

The canyon's geology makes for fascinating and varied climbing. The dark granite is threaded with pale pegmatite intrusions that create natural crack systems and features up and down the wall. Because you descend into the canyon routes are committing as they are traditional with few bolts making this an area best for climbers with some experience.

Black Canyon sits just west of Gunnison near Crawford on the most commonly climbed North Rim, making it a natural pairing with a trip to Hartman Rocks or a broader Western Slope climbing adventure.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Nearby & Similar Climbing Locations

Below are some recommended climbing locations within the vicinity if you're interested in some alternative destinations. Colorado is home to many climbing areas and we want to help you find the one that is best for you!

Below are some recommended climbing locations within the vicinity if you're interested in some alternative destinations. Colorado is home to many climbing areas and we want to help you find the one that is best for you!

Climber looks carefully while stepping up on steep slab in Hartman Rocks near Gunnison

Gunnison

From $279

4-8 hours

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber looks carefully while stepping up on steep slab in Hartman Rocks near Gunnison

Gunnison

From $279

4-8 hours

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber looks carefully while stepping up on steep slab in Hartman Rocks near Gunnison

Gunnison

From $279

4-8 hours

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers hat covers their face as they reach up for the next hold on a classic unaweep canyon crack climb

Grand Junction

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers hat covers their face as they reach up for the next hold on a classic unaweep canyon crack climb

Grand Junction

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers hat covers their face as they reach up for the next hold on a classic unaweep canyon crack climb

Grand Junction

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in Colorado National Monument looks for their next hold as the desert landscape spreads out underneath them.

Grand Junction

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in Colorado National Monument looks for their next hold as the desert landscape spreads out underneath them.

Grand Junction

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in Colorado National Monument looks for their next hold as the desert landscape spreads out underneath them.

Grand Junction

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Common Course Options

Some climbing areas are better suited for certain types of classes than others. Below are a few of the classes we commonly do here if you are interested in learning to climb. While we can always figure out ways to make something work these climbing courses work well in this area.

Some climbing areas are better suited for certain types of classes than others. Below are a few of the classes we commonly do here if you are interested in learning to climb. While we can always figure out ways to make something work these climbing courses work well in this area.

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber reaches towards anchor to tie a clove hitch

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber reaches towards anchor to tie a clove hitch

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber reaches towards anchor to tie a clove hitch

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers smile up on a lesson climbing the first flatiron

Various

From $539

4 days

Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers smile up on a lesson climbing the first flatiron

Various

From $539

4 days

Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers smile up on a lesson climbing the first flatiron

Various

From $539

4 days

Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

6435 Garlock Way

Colorado Springs, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel & Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, commercial use authorization for Rocky Mountain, North Cascades, Denali, Black Canyon National Parks and Colorado National Monument, and special use authorizations for Eldorado and Castlewood Canyon State Parks.

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For climbing reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com

6435 Garlock Way

C/S, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

Climb with us!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.

Copyright © Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.