• United States
  • Colorado
  • Rock Climbing
  • Colorado

    Looking for the best rock climbing in Colorado? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Colorado. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    Top Rock Climbing Spots in and near Colorado

    • Gunnison, Colorado

      Camp at Hartman Rocks

      3.0
      Just 3 miles outside the small south central town of Gunnison, Colorado lies Hartman Rocks recreation area. This 8000 acre open space includes 40 miles of single track trails as well as 33 miles of road. Camping at Hartman Rocks is the perfect way spend a relaxing night, or get an early start to ...
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    • Ridgway, Colorado

      Ice Climb the Ouray Ice Park

      5.0
      Over a mile of the Uncompahgre Gorge is farmed for ice every year and they have gotten very good at it!! The ice park begins at the southern edge of town and continues south through the gorge for approximately 1 mile. The ice park is typically open from mid December-late March.If you enjoy gettin...
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    • Buena Vista, Colorado

      La Plata Peak Summer Route

      5.0
      9.08 mi / 4449.04 ft gain
      The Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you...
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    • Silverthorne, Colorado

      Upper Slate Lake via Rock Creek Trailhead

      5.0
      22.21 mi / 4406 ft gain
      Starting from the Rock Creek Trailhead parking lot, it is an up and down trek to Upper Slate Lake. The trail map states 10 miles each way, but accounting for switchbacks it ends up being closer to 14 long, hard miles. You will be among aspens and pines for the first half as you have a few modera...
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    • Bellvue, Colorado

      Climb Greyrock Mountain

      5.0
      7.1 mi / 3000 ft gain
      The main trail begins at the Cache La Poudre river on the Poudre Canyon Highway about 30 minutes from Fort Collins. After about .75 miles the trail splits. To go left on Greyrock Meadows trail adds 2 miles to your trip and provides excellent views of Greyrock Mountain and Meadows from the south, ...
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    • Ward, Colorado

      Climb Apache Peak

      10 mi / 3280 ft gain
      Start at the Long Lake Trailhead ($10 parking fee) and head up the trail towards Isabell Lake. You'll pass both Long Lake and Isabelle lake, with spectacular views at both. At Lake Isabelle, be sure to continue straight on the trail, further up the valley, not the right turn up to Pawnee Pass.Con...
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    • Aspen, Colorado

      North Maroon Peak

      8.08 mi / 4298 ft gain
      Start your hike at the parking lot/trailhead at the end of Maroon Creek Rd. Keep in mind that the road is closed from about 9am-8pm to traffic and is only accessible by shuttle bus during that time. You'll be wanting to get a very early start anyways, so it shouldn't be an issue. Your path begin...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Climb Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park

      5.0
      3.5 mi / 1550 ft gain
      Park at Bear Lake, and follow the signs north of the lake to Odessa Lake. However, do NOT go all the way to Odessa Lake; after about 3 miles, when Notchtop is in full view, the trail begins to descend to Odessa Lake. Find an unmarked spur trail to the left which leads to shallow Lake Helene, then...
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    • Cañon City, Colorado

      Climb at Shelf Road

      4.4
      1.5 mi / 400 ft gain
      Shelf Road is secluded, rural, and has great climbing. There are so many areas to choose from and it has a great diversity of route levels (mostly sport routes). My personal favorite area is "The Gallery" and "The Bank." Everyone is friendly and gives each other a hand.Sand Gulch Campground, righ...
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    • Montrose, Colorado

      Hike the Gunnison Route

      5.0
      2 mi / 1800 ft gain
      Immediately upon arriving, secure a permit to scramble down 1,800ft in one mile to the Gunnison River. There are no hiking trails below the rim of the canyon, and because of its relentless steepness and rock exposure, the only existing routes are incredibly steep and loose. To protect the delicat...
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    • Estes Park, Colorado

      Dragon's Tail Couloir Climb

      5.0
      Start your day at the Bear Lake parking lot, and head out on the short 2-mile approach that winds uphill past Nymph and Dream Lake. After arriving at Emerald Lake, skirt around the shore on the left side to reach the bottom of the couloir, clearly visibile on the far side of the lake.The 1500 ft ...
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    • Carbondale, Colorado

      Explore Hayes Creek Falls

      3.5
      0 mi
      Right off of Highway 133 about 2 miles south of Redstone, lies a very easy-to-get-to Waterfall. Park your car off to the side of the highway, walk about 100 feet and you will find this glorious waterfall. The fall is best to see in the late Spring to early Summer. From late Spring, to early Summe...
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    • Westcliffe, Colorado

      Summit Kit Carson Peak

      12.4 mi / 6323 ft gain
      There are a couple different trailheads that lead to Kit Carson Peak, but the one from Willow Creek Trailhead will give you the opportunity to peak another fourteener, Challenger Point, and let you pass through and/or camp at Willow Lake, which is a beautiful destination by itself. If approaching...
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    • Leadville, Colorado

      Mounts Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron and Bross (CLOSED)

      4.0
      8 mi / 3500 ft gain
      NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, i...
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    • Colorado Springs, Colorado

      Perkins Central Garden Trail

      5.0
      1.13 mi / 138 ft gain
      Garden of the Gods has dozens of hiking trails that cover miles through the park itself. The Perkins Central Garden Trail takes you through the heart of the rock formations and really gives you perspective on the size of these red rocks. This trail also takes you past several areas where rock cl...
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    • Durango, Colorado

      Hike the Animas Mountain Trail

      5.9 mi / 1535 ft gain
      The Animas Mountain Trail is a 6 mile loop trail, easily accessible from town, and best used from March until October. In the early spring and late fall, it is advised to bring YakTrax or similar in case there are icy patches on the trail. This trail is located in the San Juan National Forest nea...
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