Rock Climbing in Clear Creek Canyon
Your next adventure awaits in Black Hawk, Colorado – just minutes away from hundreds of rock climbing areas. Clear Creek Canyon extends from Golden to Idaho Springs and is well-known for its accessible wealth of sport climbs, with some trad climbs interspersed. The Canyon has a wide variety of ratings for different skill levels, from beginner to experienced. Check out the list below for your ultimate guide to rock climbing near Black Hawk!
Beginner Rock Climbing Routes
- The Catslab is another option for beginner climbers, located 11 miles up the canyon. You will find some great 5.4 to 5.6 climbs here.
- Sushi Slab is a little difficult to get to, however the majority of routes are fun and short, ranging from 5.5 to 5.8.
Intermediate Rock Climbing Routes
- High Wire Crag is located directly above the east entrance to Tunnel 2 and is a great rock for beginners. The area is well-protected and very popular with a number of medium difficulty sport climbs as well.
- River Wall is a unique climbing area above Clear Creek. This a one of the most beautiful areas for climbing in the canyon. The lower part of the wall features tricky slab routes, while the upper half has more varied, powerful climbs. River Wall has climbs ranging from 5.2 all the way to a 5.10d climb.
- The Canal Zone is the first crag on the left when entering Clear Creek Canyon. The crag is shaded for the majority of the day in the summer and stays shady all day in the fall. With the majority of climbs ranging from 5.8 to 5.10, this is a great spot for intermediate climbers.
Experienced Rock Climbing Routes
- Primo Wall is one of the three formations at the top of Clear Creek Canyon, offering some of the more difficult lines in Clear Creek. The Primo Wall uses entirely natural holds. Climbs range from 5.10 to 5.14a. This is a great place to climb on hot summer days because of the shaded areas.
- Wall of the ‘90s known for some of the best rock in the canyon. Keep in mind, the climbs can be long here. Most climbs range from 5.11 to 5.12.
- Anarchy Wall this crag has a five minute approach and clean rock. The warm up climb goes at 5.11c, making it more difficult. Anarchy Wall is known to have the best selection of 5.12 routes in the canyon, but there are also a few easier 5.8 to 5.9 routes.
Grab some friends and escape the city for a weekend filled with adventure! Just 40 miles west of Denver, Black Hawk is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. If rock climbing isn’t your thing, there are plenty more outdoor activities you can enjoy too––hike, bike, fish or go sightseeing! While you’re up here, be sure to check out one of our 29 restaurants in Black Hawk or experience Colorado’s premier gaming at the Black Hawk Casinos! Remember to share all of your adventures on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured on our social media pages.
#EscapeToBlackHawk
Source: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105744243/clear-creek-canyon