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Climbers look around in the middle of Gash Ridge after summitting Blanca Peak

Climb Gash Ridge on Blanca Peak

Climb Gash Ridge on Blanca Peak

Colorado ridge climb with epic exposure

Colorado ridge climb with epic exposure

Climb Gash Ridge on Blanca Peak

Colorado ridge climb with epic exposure

Gash Ridge on Blanca Peak is a proud Colorado alpine ridge with exposure, route finding, and sweeping Sangre de Cristo views. This guided climb is a strong choice for climbers who want a more adventurous way to summit one of the state’s great 14ers.

Gash Ridge on Blanca Peak is a proud Colorado alpine ridge with exposure, route finding, and sweeping Sangre de Cristo views. This guided climb is a strong choice for climbers who want a more adventurous way to summit one of the state’s great 14ers.

Quick Facts

Location:

Westcliffe

Westcliffe

Westcliffe

Prime Season:

Summer & Fall

Summer & Fall

Duration:

1-3 days

1-3 days

Itinerary Type:

Private

Private

Skill Level:

Easy

Easy

Price:

From $629

From $629

How technical is Gash Ridge?

The climbing itself is only about 5.0, but the ridge is exposed, the route finding is complex, and there is a lot of ground to cover at altitude. It is best for very fit hikers or climbers who are comfortable scrambling on exposed terrain.

Why is this a multi day trip?

The approach to the basin below Blanca Peak is long, so camping the night before lets us start summit day early and fresh. A third day adds margin for weather and gives the option of other objectives in the area. It also helps a bit with acclimating. It can be done in a single day for fit parties but expect a very long day.

Do I need my own camping gear?

Our trips include group camping equipment like tents and stoves. You will need personal items like a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and backpack, and we are happy to give recommendations if you are buying gear for the first time.

When is the best time to climb Gash Ridge?

Late summer and fall usually bring the dry, stable conditions we want for ridge climbing in the Sangre de Cristos. Earlier in the season snow can linger on the route and afternoon storms are more common but it is still climbable.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Gash Ridge is one of the more adventurous ways to climb Blanca Peak, trading a standard summit approach for a proud alpine ridge with exposure and sweeping Sangre de Cristo views. For climbers who want a more technical 14er experience this is a great climb.

The route requires mountain judgment, route finding, efficient movement, and comfort with exposed ridge terrain. While the technical difficulty may be only 5.0, the position and setting make it a serious mountain day with a lot of ground to cover. While doable in a day the wilderness feel of the area makes it well worth staying overnight for other objectives in the area as well.

We help manage the pace and logistics to ensure a safe and high quality experience. For climbers ready to go beyond hiking Blanca Peak, this guided climb offers a memorable alpine line to the summit.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Gash Ridge is one of the more adventurous ways to climb Blanca Peak, trading a standard summit approach for a proud alpine ridge with exposure and sweeping Sangre de Cristo views. For climbers who want a more technical 14er experience this is a great climb.

The route requires mountain judgment, route finding, efficient movement, and comfort with exposed ridge terrain. While the technical difficulty may be only 5.0, the position and setting make it a serious mountain day with a lot of ground to cover. While doable in a day the wilderness feel of the area makes it well worth staying overnight for other objectives in the area as well.

We help manage the pace and logistics to ensure a safe and high quality experience. For climbers ready to go beyond hiking Blanca Peak, this guided climb offers a memorable alpine line to the summit.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Includes

Gash Ridge is one of the more adventurous ways to climb Blanca Peak, trading a standard summit approach for a proud alpine ridge with exposure and sweeping Sangre de Cristo views. For climbers who want a more technical 14er experience this is a great climb.

The route requires mountain judgment, route finding, efficient movement, and comfort with exposed ridge terrain. While the technical difficulty may be only 5.0, the position and setting make it a serious mountain day with a lot of ground to cover. While doable in a day the wilderness feel of the area makes it well worth staying overnight for other objectives in the area as well.

We help manage the pace and logistics to ensure a safe and high quality experience. For climbers ready to go beyond hiking Blanca Peak, this guided climb offers a memorable alpine line to the summit.

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 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!

Young climber reaches up to the next hold in Castlewood Canyon

Castle Rock

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Young climber reaches up to the next hold in Castlewood Canyon

Castle Rock

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Young climber reaches up to the next hold in Castlewood Canyon

Castle Rock

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber searches for holds on a climbing trip at Shelf Road

Cañon City

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber searches for holds on a climbing trip at Shelf Road

Cañon City

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber searches for holds on a climbing trip at Shelf Road

Cañon City

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in a layback steadies themselves on a climb in Eldorado Canyon

Boulder

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in a layback steadies themselves on a climb in Eldorado Canyon

Boulder

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in a layback steadies themselves on a climb in Eldorado Canyon

Boulder

From $279

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Common Climbing Course Options

Some climbing areas are better suited for certain types of climbing 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 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

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 and employer 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.