Rock Climbing

 

Rock and ice climbers of all skill levels will find climbing adventures to their liking in the Montrose area.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon National Park is the foremost attraction for climbers, offering dozens of routes ranging from moderate difficulty to extreme.

The Black Canyon (affectionately known to climbers as “The Black”) is extremely deep and narrow and is a full-on adventure climbing area that is best attempted by expert climbers. Peak climbing season is mid-April to mid-June and late August to early November. Ratings for the Black Canyon’s 145 known climbs start at 5.9 and go up to 5.13 (29 climbs are rated 5.8 and 5.9).

The Black Canyon is extremely deep and narrow and is a full-on adventure climbing area that is only meant for expert climbers. The deepest section of the canyon, Warner Point, plunges 2,722 feet. The Painted Wall, at 2,250 feet, is the tallest vertical wall in Colorado. 

Peak climbing season is mid-April to mid-June and late August to early November. There are 145 known Black Canyon climbs. The ratings start at 5.9 and go up to 5.13 (29 climbs are rated 5.8 and 5.9). All of the climbs within the Black Canyon are multi-pitch, free and traditional routes located in remote areas of the canyon. The majority of climbs take place at the North and South Chasm Walls, where the depth of the canyon measures 1,820 feet. 

Please note: a free wilderness use permit is required for all inner canyon activities (including day hikes, climbing, camping, and kayaking), and is available at the North Rim Ranger Station and South Rim Visitor Center. The National Park Service website provides detailed rock climbing information. Detail information for each climbing route at the Black Canyon is available on the Mountain Project website.

Dry Creek Climbing Area

This is a great local’s hangout about 15 miles west of Montrose. Dry Creek Canyon has a remote desert feel just minutes from town. Sandstone cliffs about 30 to 50 feet high with many incut holds provide a great finger workout. There are 30+ mostly sport routes with 5-8 bolts per pitch scattered along the highest half mile of sandstone on the east side of Dry Creek Canyon.

There is also a bouldering area 300 feet below the cliffs, at the bottom of the canyon. The easiest way to get to the boulders is to go down one of the descent gullies and hike down the slope.

Top anchors are rare due to the soft caprock, but anchors can be set on rock features and juniper trees. It is even possible to anchor off your vehicle in a few spots. If the weather is wet, you might get stuck on Rim Rd., so best to wait until it dries.

Equipment: 30-50 feet of webbing or static rope for top anchors; rock gear for setting top anchors; 8 quickdraws. A few trad lines exist but are not often climbed.

Difficulty: The routes range from 5.5 to 5.13. There is something for everyone.

Download the area map and directions.

Indoor Climbing At the Montrose Rec Center

Take the family out to the state-of-the-art Rec Center. They have a climbing wall that is 27 feet tall, has 12 anchors (auto/ belay), and suits all levels of difficulty. If you don’t have gear, they can supply it at no additional charge! If you take a closer look, the wall is painted to look like the Black Canyon and includes three crack climbs!

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