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Red Rock Canyon

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About Red Rock Canyon:

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a 787-acre parkland owned by the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. The park opened at the end of October, 2004. The park, composed of three distinct drainages, nestles against the Front Range south of the Garden of the Gods and US 24. Rock climbing is allowed on the East and West Canyon Walls in Red Rock Canyon itself, but nowhere else in the park. Over 90 bolted routes up to 130 feet high ascend the ruddy sandstone walls, offering a marvelous new arena for Pikes Peak region climbers. The climbing is similar to that in the neighboring Garden of the Gods, but offers better stone, excellent protection and rappel anchors, and lots of moderate routes. The park also offers lots of serenity and isolation in a beautiful natural setting. Due to the crackless nature of the sandstone, all RRC routes are bolted sport climbs with only a handful of routes that also require an occasional cam or nut. All routes are equipped with lowering and rappel anchors. There are 13 distinct cliffs that offer climbing. The rest of the park is off-limits for technical climbing. There are two porta-johns at by the parking lot, but no facilities in the park itself. Be prepared to hike down about 10 minutes to the parking lot if the call of nature becomes too powerful to resist. Climbing at Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a managed process. At the city's request, a group of local climbers came up with a management plan to create a safe and environmentally-conscious rock climbing area, thereby avoiding all the problems that occur at the Garden of the Gods. Also at the city's request all the routes were established before the park was open. Over 30 local climbers participated in the creation of this new climbing park. A new climber liason group, the Red Rock Canyon Climber's Alliance, is the official intermediary between rock climbers and the city of Colorado Springs.
Nearest town or city: Colorado Springs
Directions: Red Red Canyon Open Space is south of the Garden of the Gods and US 24. Find the trailhead by turning south from US 24 at the only turnoff between 30th Street and the first Manitou Springs exit. There is a typical green highway sign telling you where to turn, about a 1/4 miles before the turn. Park in the obvious designated lot that is on your left as you come off of the highway. Follow an old road east and then south to Red Rock Canyon. It is a half-mile to the lake at the beginning of the climbing area. The road continues up the east side of the canyon, offering access to Westbay Wall, Sayers Wall, Ripple Wall, Squaw Wall, The Chief, The Wailing Wall, Wiggins Wall, and Coyote Wall. The west side trail accesses The Whale's Tail, The Whale, Solar Slab, and The Quarry Wall. Consult the book for specifics.
Latitude, Longitude: 38.84600, -104.88200
Access Issues:
Camping: None
When to Climb:
Quantity of Climbs: Year

Topo Images

No route specified The Mad Scientist
No route specified The Mad Scientist
No route specified

Most Recent Photos (See all 83 photos)

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Forum Discussions (6 posts)

  Subject Author Replies Last Post
No Replies Red Rocks partner wanted acarlson 0 Jun 02 2008, 12:31 AM
With Replies why so many disagreements on route ratings? mayo 4 Mar 18 2008, 4:21 PM
No Replies Outdoor Climbing Competition at Red Rock Canyon OS burtonac 0 Sep 11 2006, 10:15 PM
With Replies Cant update routes at Red Rock Canyon zozo 10 Aug 23 2006, 2:42 PM
With Replies information on Red rocks canyon climber15 2 Jan 05 2005, 5:46 PM
With Replies red rock canyon Guide now available!! anykineclimb 5 Jul 18 2009, 6:27 AM