Black Canyon National Park Rock Climbing
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a stunning natural phenomenon with dramatic landscapes and world class rock climbing. With headquarters in Ridgway and Grand Junction, Skyward Mountaineering is uniquely positioned to offer guided rock climbing in the Black Canyon, affectionately known by local climbers as “The Black”. With multiple 5-star classic multipitch routes from 5.9 and up, it’s possible to spend multiple days of guided rock climbing in the Black Canyon or spread out your vacation and sample other awesome climbing areas on Colorado’s Western Slope.
Due to the complexity of the climbing and the committing nature of the top-down approach, all of guides in the Black Canyon are certified AMGA Rock Guides with significant personal and professional ascents in the Black and other world class climbing destinations. When you’re 800ft up the wall looking up at the crux pitch, you can be confident in yourself and your guide.
Multipitch rock climbing ranging from 5.9 to big wall aid climbs
Intermediate difficulty. Previous multipitch rock climbing experience required
Mid April - late June and mid September - late November
We are a small team of passionate rock climbing guides with decades of experience in the Black Canyon
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The Black Canyon is composed of methamorphic rock formed during an uplift event about 60 million years ago and then eroded by the impressive Gunnison River cutting through the volcanic top layer. Sheer cliffs, plunging depths and millions of years of erosion have sculpted a unique national park in this remote and un-crowded iconic climbing destination.
Unlike most climbing areas, an approach to a Black Canyon route begins with a steep descent rather than an uphill hike. Most of these descents require at least a couple of rappels, making routes more committing than your average crag. Multipitch efficiency, routefinding know-how and comfort with some runouts is a must - Skyward Mountaineering's guides are well equipped to safely and efficiently guide both the moderate and more challenging rock climbing routes in the Black.
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Ground Control to Major Tom (5.9-, III)
Blackjack (5.9, III)
Escape Artist (5.9+, III)
Russian Arête (5.9+, III)
Maiden Voyage to King Me (5.10-, III)
Journey Home (5.10-, III)
Comic Relief (5.10, III)
Cloaked Interpretation (5.10+, III)
Scenic Cruise (5.10+, IV)
Midsummer Night's Dream (5.11-, III)
Atlantis (5.11, IV)
Astro Dog (5.11+, V)
