Independence Monument stands as one of the signature formations of Colorado National Monument. A freestanding sandstone tower rising hundreds of feet above the Grand Valley floor. The most common ascent, via Otto’s Route, follows the historic line first climbed by park ranger Otto Mears in 1911, and remains a unique historical experience combining exposed face climbing with a summit experience that delivers some of the best views on the Western Slope.

The climbing demands comfort on featured desert sandstone and a head for exposure, with positions on route that put the scale of the surrounding canyon country on full display. It’s a different style of climbing than anything available on the Front Range with pocketed offwidth and chimney climbing rewarding climbers with varied experience.

Colorado Climbing Company guides have climbed the monument many times and can help prepare you for the ascent with details on the approach, tips on the techniques for the climb, and provide excellent climbing pictures from the summit.

LNT Note: Due to the fragile nature of the sandstone we will not climb within 24 hours of any significant precipitation to avoid damaging the rock.