Climbing in Shelf Road

With crisp limestone in the banana belt an hour south of Colorado Springs this is the best sport climbing destination for southern Front Range climbers all year round. This quiet canyon has such an abundance of climbs there is something for everyone and new climbs are being developed all the time. While it is an ideal destination for those learning to sport climb it also is good for anyone wanting to transition from the gym to the outdoors or their first time outside. Because the canyon walls face many different directions there are pleasant temperatures to be found any time of year but winter is still our favorite time to come here owing to a slightly lower altitude. Nothing like pulling on pocketed limestone in the warm winter sun and with easy approaches and camping nearby it's no wonder it's so well known amongst Front Range climbers.

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Shelf Road Rock Climbing Information

Availability

Shelf Road rock climbing is available year round whenever the weather is pleasant enough to climb. With lower elevations and some of the warmest temperatures this can be the best destination from fall into spring. While summers can be hot shady areas can be manageable.

Guided Rock Climbing Trip Rates

1 Guide Half Day (4 hours) Regular Day (6 hours) Full Day (8 hours)
1 Guest $309 $369 $429
2 Guests $249 $309 $369
3 Guests $199 $249 $309
4 Guests $149 $199 $249
2 guides to keep low ratios for the best experience!
5-8 Guests $119 $149 $199

Rate Information:

Rates are per person, e.g. 3 people for a Regular Day would be $259/person for a total of $777. Trip start times are custom but generally we recommend 8AM starts for most rock climbing May through September to avoid heat, crowding, and afternoon thunderstorms.

Discount Information: We appreciate our guests but discounts are limited to the following and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Early Bird Discounts and Last Chance Pricing: Book early and save! Schedule any rock climbing trip a month or more in advance for a 10% discount. Any trip booked with less than 48 hours notice incur a $100 convenience fee.

Bundle Pricing: The ultimate way to get started climbing! Purchase 3 or more days of climbing guiding or instruction at once for a 10% discount. Schedule at your convenience.

Shelf Road is located just west of the Front Range along US 50 near Cañon City. The nearest airport and large city is Colorado Springs with regular service to domestic and international travel.

Typical Meeting Location:

Shelf Road is a well known single pitch sport climbing area.



Climb Name Climb Description
Cactus Cliff With everything from 5.5-5.13 climbs there is stacks of vertical climbing on these sunny walls making them an ideal winter destination. Most of the climbs are concentrated in the 5.9-5.11 range with good bolting making it a nice area for those moderate climbers looking to push their skills. The approach can be on the longer side but with good trails and relatively little elevation change they're still pretty mellow.
Sand Gulch Facing a variety of aspects here the moderate climbing on good limestone makes this a much frequented area when it's hard to know the best way to find good temperatures. A variety of climbs in the 5.8-5.12 range are nice for a variety of climbers as well.
The Bank A shady cliff for those hot days. A short approach from the nearby campground will generally surprise you with a lack of crowds. The climbing feels a little more old school with more distant bolt spacing but good dark colored, pocketed limestone.

Trips Include

-Group climbing equipment (ropes, carabiners, etc).

-Individual climbing equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, and belay devices).

-Guide with AMGA Training and Certifications for climbing and instruction.

Trip Excludes

-Transportation to climbing sites or any sort of lodging.

-Guide gratuities.

-Personal clothing and footwear.

-Personal snacks and water.

-Trip Insurance

-Other costs not associated with services provided by The Colorado Climbing Company.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

If for some reason you need to cancel your course or trip outside of 30 days you will receive a full refund less service charges to cover our costs incurred. For trips less than $500 this service charge is $50 and for those more than $500 this service charge is $100 or 10% of the trip cost, whichever is greater. If you must cancel within 30 days of the course or trip a refund of 50% will be given. All balances are due in full before the start of any course or trip and no refunds will be given beyond the course or trip date. In the case of unsafe conditions, weather or other circumstances beyond our control we will do our best to reschedule or issue a credit for a future trip. If this isn't possible you will receive a refund less the previously outlined service charges.