Rock Climbing
A man climbing the side of a mountain.
Activities
Rock Climbing
Colorado state parks offer a range of climbing opportunities for climbers of all skill levels around the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not maintain fixed anchors or other aspects of climbing routes. Loose rock, unreliable fixed anchors and other hazards can exist on any route.
Types of Climbing
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Free Climbing
When climbers come to Colorado State Parks, they are typically looking to free climb. Free climbers use ropes and other safety equipment, but only to catch them in the event of falls, not to help them ascend the rock.
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Unroped Soloing
Climbing without a rope and safety equipment is known as “unroped soloing” and, even on relatively easy terrain, should be reserved for experts willing to risk their lives.
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Beginning Climbing
We recommend that you contact a licensed professional to help you get started. See the American Mountain Guide Association courses for instructor training opportunities or to hire an instructor.
Climb at a State Park
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Canyon is one of the top climbing destinations in the United States. There are more than 500 technical climbing routes that attract climbers and onlookers from around the world.
Staunton State Park
Staunton is primarily a sport climbing area but the park has over 400 rock climbing routes. Traditional and mixed routes can also be found throughout the park.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon has traditional, sport, and top roping opportunities.
Lory State Park
Lory State Park offers visitors traditional, sport, and top roping climbing opportunities.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Canyon is one of the top climbing destinations in the United States. There are more than 500 technical climbing routes that attract climbers and onlookers from around the world.
Staunton State Park
Staunton is primarily a sport climbing area but the park has over 400 rock climbing routes. Traditional and mixed routes can also be found throughout the park.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon has traditional, sport, and top roping opportunities.
Lory State Park
Lory State Park offers visitors traditional, sport, and top roping climbing opportunities.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
Castlewood Canyon is mostly a sport climbing area, but top roping and bouldering opportunities are extensive here as well.
Staunton State Park
Staunton is primarily a sport climbing area but park has over over 400 rock climbing routes that also include trad and mixed routes can be found throughout the park.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon has traditional, sport, and top roping opportunities.
Lory State Park
Lory State Park offers visitors traditional, sport, and top roping climbing opportunities.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
Castlewood Canyon is mostly a sport climbing area, but top roping and bouldering opportunities are extensive here as well.
Staunton State Park
Staunton is primarily a sport climbing area but park has over over 400 rock climbing routes that also include trad and mixed routes can be found throughout the park.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon has traditional, sport, and top roping opportunities.
Lory State Park
Lory State Park offers visitors traditional, sport, and top roping climbing opportunities.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon has traditional, sport, and top roping opportunities.
Castlewood Canyon
Castlewood Canyon is mostly a sport climbing area, but top roping and bouldering opportunities are extensive here as well.
Lory State Park
Lory State Park offers visitors traditional, sport, and top roping climbing opportunities.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon has traditional, sport, and top roping opportunities.
Castlewood Canyon
Castlewood Canyon is mostly a sport climbing area, but top roping and bouldering opportunities are extensive here as well.
Lory State Park
Lory State Park offers visitors traditional, sport, and top roping climbing opportunities.
Permits Required
Rock Climbing Permits
Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires obtaining a permit prior to placing or removing any fixed rock climbing protection (bolts and pitons).
Commercial use of Colorado state parks requires a permit. Rock climbing guides and instructors operating in Colorado state parks must be certified or work for an accredited organization.
See the American Mountain Guide Association courses for instructor training opportunities or to hire an instructor.
Events
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Safety
Know Before You Go
Rock Climbing is a risky and potentially dangerous activity. Climbers must always practice safety skills.