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

Unaweep Canyon Climbing Trips

Western Slope trad climbing at one of Colorado's best-kept secrets

Western Slope trad climbing at one of Colorado's best-kept secrets

Unaweep Canyon Climbing Trips

Western Slope trad climbing at one of Colorado's best-kept secrets

Unaweep Canyon is one of Colorado's best kept climbing secrets. This remote Western Slope trad destination has quality granite crack routes and a solitude you won't find at busier Front Range crags and is a great prep area for Black Canyon climbs.

Unaweep Canyon is one of Colorado's best kept climbing secrets. This remote Western Slope trad destination has quality granite crack routes and a solitude you won't find at busier Front Range crags and is a great prep area for Black Canyon climbs.

Quick Facts

Location:

Grand Junction

Grand Junction

Prime Season:

Spring and Fall

Spring and Fall

Duration:

4-8 hrs

4-8 hrs

Itinerary Type:

Private

Private

Skill Level:

Easy-Difficult

Easy-Difficult

Price:

From $279

From $279

Is Unaweep Canyon hard to get to?

While it is a remote Western Slope location about an hour outside Grand Junction it is located near a paved highway. There is limited cell service so we sometimes meet closer to Grand Junction to avoid any issues.

Are climbs easy to get to?

The trails are well developed but they are steep and typically take about 20 minutes to get to the actual climbs themselves. It's always good to be in good physical shape but guides are happy to make time and go at your pace.

Can the area be climbed in summer months like July and August?

We typically avoid climbing here in the hottest months of the year. Temperatures in the canyon can reach into the high 90's and occasionally triple digits. With east facing rock it can be hard to find shade. It's doable if we get a really early start but people generally find it much more pleasant in months like April and October.

Why should I climb here before trying to climb in the Black Canyon?

Climbs here are less committing. If for some reason you need to bail on a climb in Unaweep you just lower or rappel and then walk down, which is typically pretty easy. Black Canyon climbs require descending into the canyon often via a rappel. If you can't do the climb we still have to get to the top of the canyon. So climbing a day at Unaweep first gives us the opportunity to ensure you have the skills and ability to have a good time climbing in the Black Canyon.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Unaweep Canyon cuts through the Uncompahgre Plateau on Colorado's Western Slope in near total obscurity which is exactly what makes it special. While Front Range crags fill up on weekends, Unaweep offers quality granite trad climbing in a dramatic canyon setting with the kind of solitude that's increasingly hard to find anywhere in the state.

The climbing centers around clean granite crack systems and slabs spanning a range of grades and styles. It's a rewarding destination for experienced trad climbers exploring new terrain and those looking to build crack skills away from the crowds, with a Western Slope seasonal profile that opens up windows when Front Range crags are less reliable. It is a great location if you're wanting to climb in the Black Canyon but are unsure if you're ready for that level of commitment.

Colorado Climbing Company guides know Unaweep well and can help you make the most of a destination that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path. It's a world away from Colorado's busier climbing circuits — and closer than most people expect.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Unaweep Canyon cuts through the Uncompahgre Plateau on Colorado's Western Slope in near total obscurity which is exactly what makes it special. While Front Range crags fill up on weekends, Unaweep offers quality granite trad climbing in a dramatic canyon setting with the kind of solitude that's increasingly hard to find anywhere in the state.

The climbing centers around clean granite crack systems and slabs spanning a range of grades and styles. It's a rewarding destination for experienced trad climbers exploring new terrain and those looking to build crack skills away from the crowds, with a Western Slope seasonal profile that opens up windows when Front Range crags are less reliable. It is a great location if you're wanting to climb in the Black Canyon but are unsure if you're ready for that level of commitment.

Colorado Climbing Company guides know Unaweep well and can help you make the most of a destination that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path. It's a world away from Colorado's busier climbing circuits — and closer than most people expect.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Includes

Unaweep Canyon cuts through the Uncompahgre Plateau on Colorado's Western Slope in near total obscurity which is exactly what makes it special. While Front Range crags fill up on weekends, Unaweep offers quality granite trad climbing in a dramatic canyon setting with the kind of solitude that's increasingly hard to find anywhere in the state.

The climbing centers around clean granite crack systems and slabs spanning a range of grades and styles. It's a rewarding destination for experienced trad climbers exploring new terrain and those looking to build crack skills away from the crowds, with a Western Slope seasonal profile that opens up windows when Front Range crags are less reliable. It is a great location if you're wanting to climb in the Black Canyon but are unsure if you're ready for that level of commitment.

Colorado Climbing Company guides know Unaweep well and can help you make the most of a destination that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path. It's a world away from Colorado's busier climbing circuits — and closer than most people expect.

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

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

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.

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

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber stands on top of ridge in Garden of the Gods with park opening up behind

Various

From $449

3 days

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber stands on top of ridge in Garden of the Gods with park opening up behind

Various

From $449

3 days

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber stands on top of ridge in Garden of the Gods with park opening up behind

Various

From $449

3 days

Moderate

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.