Boulder, Colorado

Rock Climbing


Boulder, Colorado is well known for it’s incredible access to a variety of rock types, rock climbing styles and beautiful views of the Front Range. The adventure oriented community of Boulder is a perfect base camp for a rock climbing vacation, with multiple areas all within an easy drive from downtown. Skyward Mountaineering is excited to offer custom guided rock climbing trips to Boulder that show off all that the area has to offer.

A rock climber leads out a traversing roof in the background with a belayer watching from under the roof in the foreground.

Boulder Canyon

Minutes from downtown, this popular area features hundreds of well protected sport climbs on beautiful granite, ranging from easy slabs to challenging test pieces. Boulder Canyon also boasts traditional routes and multi-pitch climbs in a scenic setting. Boulder Canyon has multiple cliffs spread throughout the canyon, many of the crags are easily accessible with short approaches from the road and some even have fun tyrolean traverses over the river to add spice to the day’s adventure. Some of our favorite rock climbing routes in Boulder Canyon are:

  • Empor (5.7, 3 pitches)

  • Cozyhang (5.7+, 3 pitches)

  • Runaway (5.8, 1 pitch)

  • Jackson’s Wall Direct (5.9+, 3 pitches)

  • Athlete’s Feat (5.11-, 3 pitches)

  • Regular Route (5.11b, 1 pitch)

  • Empire of the Fenceless (5.12-, 1 pitch)

  • Joy Ride (5.12b, 1 pitch)

A rock climber in a teal shirt and red helmet is following a pitch on a red sandstone cliff.

Flatirons

The Iconic Flatirons stand high over Boulder and offer a stunning array of multi-pitch trad climbing, cutting edge sport routes and easy scrambles to the summits of many of the jagged formations. There is something for everyone here and the Flatirons offer a more adventurous feel due to the longer approaches and wilderness like setting. Here are some of our favorite rock climbing routes in Boulder’s Flatirons:

  • East Face of the Third Flatiron (5.4, 8 pitches)

  • Direct Route on the First Flatiron (5.6, 10 pitches)

  • Satan’s Slab (5.8+, 9 pitches)

  • East Ridge of the The Maiden (5.10, 5 pitches)

It is possible to rock climb in the Boulder area year-round chasing sun or shade depending on current temperatures. The best times for rock climbing in Boulder Canyon and the surrounding Boulder area is in the spring and fall when temps are warm but not too hot and winter storms are unlikely.

There are areas and routes for all abilities and fitness levels, from novice to expert. No prerequisites required.

Denver International Airport is the closest airport, approximately 1 hour away. A rental or personal vehicle will be necessary as reliable shuttles to/from climbing areas is inconvenient/unlikely.

There are plentiful hotels in downtown Boulder and the surrounding metro area.

All group equipment (ropes, anchor material and rock protection) is provided by your guide. Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. See recommended gear list below:

    • Underwear: Should be comfortable, synthetic fibers wick moisture away from the body

    • Hiking socks: Lightweight warmth/cushion

    • Sun hat

    • Lightweight t-shirt: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away and keep you cooler and more comfortable during hot temps

    • Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection

    • Wind jacket: Should have an integrated hood, stretch fabric is often more durable

    • Hard shell jacket: Lightweight protection for afternoon thunderstorms

    • Lightweight insulated jacket: Down is lighter and more compressible

    • Climbing pants or leggings: Lightweight and stretchy

    • Shorts: Optional, for warmer temps 

    • Climbing backpack: Approximately 30+ liters

    • On-route pack: Approximately 15 liters, optional for longer routes. It is also possible to carry a 25-ish liter pack to the base of the route and then also use it on the route instead of the two pack system

    • Approach shoes: Should have sticky rubber outsole for security while scrambling on the approach and/or descent, though lightweight hiking shoes are an acceptable substitution

    • Rock climbing shoes: Comfortable for all day wear

    • Chalk bag w/ chalk

    • Belay gloves: Full fingered recommended

    • Crack gloves: Optional, specific for crack climbing intensive routes

    • Climbing helmet: Must be UIAA certified

    • Harness: Must have a belay loop and at least two gear loops

    • Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner

    • Assisted braking device: Your guide can provide a lightweight device to securely belay the leader, but if have a preferred device such as a GriGri, you may bring that

    • 48 inch (120cm) sewn nylon sling. A Personal Anchor System (PAS) may be used instead

    • 2-3 Locking carabiners Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner

    • 1-2 Non locking carabiners

    • Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 3 lenses w/ athletic fit

    • Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick

    • First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications

    • Fully charged phone

    • Headlamp with fully charged batteries

    • 1-2 liters of water: A soft water bottle is more comfortable in a pack but care needs to be taken to not puncture it

    • High energy lunch and snacks: A healthy mix of fats, sugar, and protein for a full day of the on-the-go (leftover pizza or sandwiches are a great midday pick-me-up)

1 climber: $575/day

2 climbers: $385/climber/day

3 climbers: $330/climber/day

4 climbers: $275/climber/day

Includes:

  • 1 day of guided climbing with an AMGA Rock guide

  • Group climbing equipment (ropes, rock protection and anchor material)

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Transportation

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity