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

Colorado National Monument Rock Climbing Trip

Desert towers and crack climbing above the Grand Valley

Desert towers and crack climbing above the Grand Valley

Colorado National Monument Rock Climbing Trip

Desert towers and crack climbing above the Grand Valley

Colorado National Monument rises above the Grand Valley in a dramatic sweep of sandstone towers and canyon walls that rival anything in the desert Southwest. Accessible tower routes and desert slabs in a setting that has to be seen to be believed.

Colorado National Monument rises above the Grand Valley in a dramatic sweep of sandstone towers and canyon walls that rival anything in the desert Southwest. Accessible tower routes and desert slabs in a setting that has to be seen to be believed.

Quick Facts

Location:

Grand Junction

Grand Junction

Prime Season:

Fall and Spring

Fall and Spring

Duration:

4-8 hrs

4-8 hrs

Itinerary Type:

Private

Private

Skill Level:

Easy-Difficult

Easy-Difficult

Price:

From $279

From $279

I’ve never climbed before, is this the best spot near Grand Junction?

There is a good selection of beginner climbs near Monument Canyon that are commonly used for those new to climbing. The rock quality isn’t as great as more well traveled climbs but there is a good selection for a shorter day.

Can I climb Independence Tower if I’m a beginner?

Most likely we would want to do prep day to see where your skills are at. The hike to Independence Tower is a little under three miles and with climbing up to 5.9 in difficulty it would be a bit of a letdown to have to bail after the first pitch if it’s more than you’re up for.

It rained a little bit ago but the rock looks dry, why can’t we climb?

The soft sandstone that makes up places like Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks, and Colorado National Monument gets weaker when wet. While the surface may be dry the moisture underneath is still making things damp and weak. We usually wait at least 24 hours before proceeding to climb.

Do I need to pay a park entrance fee?

If you have a national parks pass you can leave that on your dashboard or show it to the gate attendant if we’re meeting within the park. If not then there are QR codes at trailheads you can use to pay the entrance fees.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Colorado National Monument rises dramatically above Grand Junction on the Western Slope, offering a desert climbing experience that feels more like Utah than Colorado. Sandstone towers, crack systems, and canyon walls stretch across a stunning landscape with routes that reward climbers willing to venture beyond the Front Range. Despite the monument's accessibility it is quieter than other destinations and the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.

The climbing is defined by featured crack systems, tower routes, and face climbing on warm red sandstone with sweeping views of the Grand Valley below. Routes span a range of grades and styles, and the Western Slope location delivers a reliable spring and fall season when higher elevation crags are still cold or snowed in.

Our guides know the monument well and can tailor the day to your goals whether that's your first desert crack route or a more committing tower objective. It's the kind of destination that expands what you think Colorado climbing can be.

Leave No Trace Note: Due to the soft sandstone in the event of rain we will have to wait at least 24 hours and sometimes more so we don't damage the rock and pull rocks down on people.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Colorado National Monument rises dramatically above Grand Junction on the Western Slope, offering a desert climbing experience that feels more like Utah than Colorado. Sandstone towers, crack systems, and canyon walls stretch across a stunning landscape with routes that reward climbers willing to venture beyond the Front Range. Despite the monument's accessibility it is quieter than other destinations and the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.

The climbing is defined by featured crack systems, tower routes, and face climbing on warm red sandstone with sweeping views of the Grand Valley below. Routes span a range of grades and styles, and the Western Slope location delivers a reliable spring and fall season when higher elevation crags are still cold or snowed in.

Our guides know the monument well and can tailor the day to your goals whether that's your first desert crack route or a more committing tower objective. It's the kind of destination that expands what you think Colorado climbing can be.

Leave No Trace Note: Due to the soft sandstone in the event of rain we will have to wait at least 24 hours and sometimes more so we don't damage the rock and pull rocks down on people.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Includes

Colorado National Monument rises dramatically above Grand Junction on the Western Slope, offering a desert climbing experience that feels more like Utah than Colorado. Sandstone towers, crack systems, and canyon walls stretch across a stunning landscape with routes that reward climbers willing to venture beyond the Front Range. Despite the monument's accessibility it is quieter than other destinations and the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.

The climbing is defined by featured crack systems, tower routes, and face climbing on warm red sandstone with sweeping views of the Grand Valley below. Routes span a range of grades and styles, and the Western Slope location delivers a reliable spring and fall season when higher elevation crags are still cold or snowed in.

Our guides know the monument well and can tailor the day to your goals whether that's your first desert crack route or a more committing tower objective. It's the kind of destination that expands what you think Colorado climbing can be.

Leave No Trace Note: Due to the soft sandstone in the event of rain we will have to wait at least 24 hours and sometimes more so we don't damage the rock and pull rocks down on people.

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!

Guide leads the way on Cloak and Dagger in the Black Canyon

Crawford

From $386

8-12 hrs

Difficult-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide leads the way on Cloak and Dagger in the Black Canyon

Crawford

From $386

8-12 hrs

Difficult-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide leads the way on Cloak and Dagger in the Black Canyon

Crawford

From $386

8-12 hrs

Difficult-Extreme

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 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

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.

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

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

Climber looks for their next jam during crack camp

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber looks for their next jam during crack camp

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber looks for their next jam during crack camp

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

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.