COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

• ​​​​​Eldorado Area Map and Brochure 
• Eldorado Canyon Climbing Routes Map

It is important to be familiar with technical rock climbing regulations before beginning a climb. While technical climbs do not require registration, it is your responsibility to make sure someone reports your absence if you happen to be overdue. 

The Park closes at sunset, no night climbing is permitted.  

Bolts, pitons, and other fixed gear are not maintained by the Park.

A valid State Parks pass is required to enter the Park every day. Passes may be purchased at the self-service station at the east end of the park or at the Visitor Center at the west end of the Park. 

Commercial use (climbing instruction, photography, filming, etc.) requires a permit. Call 303-494-3943.

• Always have someone tied-in to each end of the rope or tie a knot in the free end of the rope. Serious falls have occurred while top-roping or lowering a climber when the free-end of the rope pulled through the belay device.
  
• Always double-check yourself and your partner (harness buckle double-backed, tie-in knot, belay rigging and technique, and rappel set-up).
  
• Always formulate a plan of action that everyone in the climbing party understands. For example, after leading a pitch, will the leader lower, rappel, or belay from above?
  
• Always inform someone of your climbing plans.
  
• Don’t rappel off the ends of your rope. Always make sure the ends are even with knots tied at each end.
  
• Beware of loose rock. Avoid standing or climbing beneath others. Check your holds. Warn others if you dislodge rocks.
  
• Fixed gear may be unreliable. Use fixed gear at your own risk and back it up when possible.
  
• Eldorado is a traditional climbing area, not a sport climbing area. Fundamental gear placement skills are mandatory.
  
• Never have only one piece of protection between you and a catastrophic fall.
  
• The roaring creek and high winds can make communication difficult. Be prepared.
  
• The sun sets sooner than you think. Allow adequate time for your climb and descent. Bring a headlamp, extra clothes, etc. Be prepared.
  
• The weather can change in an instant. Severe thunderstorms, high winds, freezing temperatures and snowstorms can sweep in without notice. 
  
• A helmet can save your life.
  
• Get professional instruction.

• The placement or removal of fixed climbing hardware requires a permit.
  
• Chipping, gluing, manufacturing holds and removal of vegetation is prohibited.
  
• Be aware of and abide by all posted seasonal raptor closures.
  
• The Park closes at dusk. Plan accordingly.
  
• Pets must be leashed and under control at all times everywhere in the park, including along access to climbing areas and at climbing staging areas. Pets can’t be left leashed and unattended at the base of climbs. If one climber is belaying from the ground with a leashed dog nearby, the dog may be considered under control. If both climbers have left the ground or immediate area, the dog will not be considered under control. Pets can’t be left unattended in vehicles.
  
• Commercial use (photography, filming, climbing instruction/guiding, etc.) requires a permit.
  

• ​Use care to stay on hiking and climbing access trails to minimize erosion. Do not short-cut trail switchbacks.
  
• Use the park's restroom facilities whenever possible.​ If this is not possible, it is your responsibility to be prepared with Waste Alleviation and Gelling (WAG) bags to pack out human waste or bury human waste and pack out toilet paper. If you must, bury feces and paper in an 8" deep hole and at least 200 feet from water runoff areas and trails.
  
• If slings must be left in place to facilitate a rappel, use slings with earth-toned colors.
  
• Use chalk sparingly. Brush it off when possible.
  
• Climbing routes are available on a first come, first served basis.
  
• Bring a plastic bag. Pack out all of your empty bottles, wrappers and cigarette butts. Pack out all trash - yours and others’.
• Be prepared to pick up and dispose of pet waste promptly (don’t leave waste-bags trailside). This is required by regulation at developed areas such as picnic areas.
• Pets must be kept on a six foot leash and under control at all times. Pets may not be left at the base of multi-pitch climbs! Don't allow pets on loose slopes where scrambling causes erosion and rock slides.