Whether you’re an experienced climber or have never been off the ground but want to give it a shot, Colorado is a climber’s dream. With a handful of solid indoor gyms and tons of outdoor climbing spots, there’s good reason for the thousands of climbers who flock to Colorado every year. Check out the list below for the best climbing spots in the state. Climb on!
INDOOR
Denver Bouldering Club
Locations:
Central Location – 2485 W 2nd Ave
South Location – 4131 S Natches Ct (Unit E)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11AM – 10PM; Saturday – Sunday: 9AM – 7PM
Cost: $16 for an adult pass
Why it rocks: You’ll find a super friendly community at this bouldering-only gym, free yoga on Tuesdays and Thursday at 6:30PM with a climbing pass, and tons of overhang walls. Outdoor trips every Saturday are a great way to meet other climbers and try your hand at the rocks outside!
Rock’n & Jam’n
Locations:
Rock’n & Jam’n 1 – 9499 Washington St
Rock’n Jam’n 2 – 7390 Fraser St
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11AM – 11PM; Saturday – Sunday: 9 AM – 7PM
Cost: $18 for an adult pass during prime hours; $15 before 3:30PM or after 9PM, Monday – Friday
Why it rocks: Take your pick at bouldering, top-roping, and lead climbing for people wanting to climb with or without ropes, classes for adults and kids, and a full yoga schedule. Both gyms also offer cardio and weight equipment.
Earth Treks Climbing Centers
Location: 700 Golden Ridge Rd, Golden
Hours: Monday and Friday: 6AM – 10PM; Tuesday – Thursday: 6AM – 11PM; Saturday – 8AM – 8PM; Sunday: 8AM – 6PM
Cost: $20 for an adult day pass
Why it rocks: Earth Treks has a bunch of drop-in fitness classes, personal training, and a variety of yoga courses included with a climbing day pass. The gym offers both bouldering and rope climbing, with over 300 bouldering routes and over 100 roped routes.
OUTDOOR
Garden of the Gods
Location: Colorado Springs
Hours: May 1 – October 31: 5AM – 11PM; November 1 – April 30: 5AM – 9PM
Why it rocks: 1,300 acres of red sandstone will be yours to explore in this world-famous National Park/ National Natural Landmark. The tremendous spires offer routes for all skill levels, and a handful of companies lead guided climbing trips year-round. If you go at it solo, make sure you stop by the visitor center and fill out a free registration form before you climb.
Eldorado Canyon
Location: Eldorado Springs
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Why it rocks: Known affectionately as “Eldo” by its frequent visitors, Eldorado Canyon is just south of Boulder and an easy 45-minute drive from Denver. With over 500 established climbing routes, you’ll keep busy even after the CU Boulder student crowd arrives. Look up the background of Eldo and you’ll find story after story of famous climbers like Layton Kor and Pat Ament making history on these rock faces. No permit or form is necessary in order to climb.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Estes Park
Hours: Open 24/7
Why it rocks: Climbers have flocked to RMNP for years, and it makes sense why—the park offers tons of spaces for bouldering, top-roping, ice climbing, and more. Stick to the established routes when you go, as placing new bolts or drilling is strictly prohibited. No permit or form is necessary in order to climb.