Grand Junction Rock Climbing

Grand Junction, Colorado, nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Colorado National Monument, is a haven for rock climbing enthusiasts of all skill levels. Based in Grand Junction, Skyward Mountaineering is the local and reputable rock climbing guide service, offering a variety of guided climbing adventures catering to your experience and aspirations. Let us help you unlock your full climbing potential in this breathtaking location.

A rock climber in a blue shirt and blue helmet climbs the steep headwall of Otto's Route.

Otto’s Route

On July 4, 1911, the first superintendent of Colorado National Monument, John Otto ascended Independence Monument by drilling holes into the soft sandstone and placing iron pipe for hand and footholds. While these tactics would now be considered graffiti, this historic ascent leaves behind eroded holes that serve as a surprisingly moderate ascent of an incredibly steep desert tower. The exposure on the summit headwall is phenomenal and climbers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views atop the flat summit of this unique desert tower.

This climb requires previous multi-pitch rock climbing experience though the moderate grade makes it a great entry level route for rock climbers. Skyward Mountaineering offers a 1-day prep for this route on surrounding Grand Junction rock climbing areas for climbers who want to climb Otto’s Route but need more experience first.

A rock climber in a teal shirt and purple helmet crack climbs up the steep headwall of a red sandstone wall.

Colorado National Monument

Nicknamed “The Monument,” this iconic landscape provides a variety of rock climbing opportunities for all skill levels. From single pitch crack climbing set amongst the red desert sandstone cliffs to multi-pitch desert towers, Colorado National Monument is home to some of the best rock climbing in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Skyward Mountaineering offers guided rock climbing on a variety of desert towers, whether you’re a novice rock climber looking to learn the ropes on a classic multi-pitch or an experienced climber looking a remote and technical rock climb to the summit of an improbably narrow summit. Here are some of our favorite tower routes in Colorado National Monument:

  • Otto’s Route, Independence Monument (5.8+, 5 pitches)

  • Steppin’ On It (5.10-, 1 pitch)

  • Bell Tower, Kissing Couple Tower (5.11-, 5 pitches)

  • Medicine Man, Sentinel Spire (5.12-, 4 pitches)

A rock climber in green pants and a blue shirt is leading a crack climb in a left facing corner.

Escalante Canyon

Crack Climbing

The secluded red cliffs of Navajo sandstone rise above the valley in Escalante Canyon, showing off splitter cracks and a distinct lack of crowding despite it’s beauty and fun rock climbing opportunities. Similar to nearby Indian Creek in Utah, Escalante Canyon is a desert crack climbing dream, walls are lined with cracks of varying sizes providing climbers with a truly natural form of rock climbing. However, unlike the famous Indian Creek, Escalante Canyon is mostly unknown and paired with the shorter approaches this zone is a fantastic classroom for honing your crack climbing technique. Most of the walls face south so Escalante Canyon is best during cooler temperatures and can be a wonderful early spring and late fall rock climbing destination.

A rock climber in blue pants, gray shirt and white helmet is climbing up a wide crack splitting a gray granite wall. She is smiling and looking up at the camera.

Unaweep Canyon

A climber’s paradise just south of Grand Junction, Unaweep Canyon boasts hundreds of routes on soaring granite cliffs. This destination should be on every rock climber’s list if you’re visiting Grand Junction. Expect a multitude of delicate face climbs, hand and finger cracks, and plenty of fun, moderate off-width routes too. Unaweep Canyon’s variety of multi-pitch trad climbing and single pitch bolted sport climbing make it a wonderful rock climbing adventure destination. Additionally, the breathtaking views from the canyon rim add another dimension to the climbing experience.

Most of the walls in Unaweep Canyon face south and the golden granite walls reflecting the sunshine make this a great zone for cooler temps and is best during the early spring and late fall. It is actually possible to rock climb in a t-shirt here in the middle of winter during a calm and sunny day!

It is possible to rock climb in the Grand Junction area year round! The best times for rock climbing is in the spring and fall when temperatures are not as hot and winter storms are unlikely. With multiple aspects it is possible to chase sun or shade depending on the current conditions.

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For all abilities and fitness levels, from novice to expert. No prerequisites required.

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Grand Junction Regional Airport offers convenient daily flights and is nearby for many of the rock climbing destinations in the area. A personal or rental car is necessary as this program visits a variety of venues within the area.

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There are multiple hotels in Grand Junction for varying price ranges. There are also free primitive camp sites available in Unaweep and Escalante Canyon, nearby to the rock climbing areas.

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Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. Skyward Mountaineering may assist in supplying technical equipment with advanced notice. 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: Synthetic fibers will wick sweat away to 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 against abrasive rock

    • 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 multipitch routes.

    • Approach shoes: Sticky rubber outsole for security while scrambling on the approach and/or descent can be helpful, though hiking sneakers are fine as well

    • Rock climbing shoes: Comfortable for all day wear. Flat lasted shoes with wider toe box are more comfortable for crack climbing and a pointier toe box is more precise for face climbing

    • Chalk bag w/ chalk

    • Belay gloves: Full fingered recommended

    • Crack gloves: Optional, manufactured tape gloves are more comfortable and provide great base coverage for the best protection while hand jamming

    • 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 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) can be used instead

    • 1-2 Locking carabiners: Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner

    • 1-2 Non locking carabiners

    • Athletic tape: avoid generic pharmacy brands as they are not as durable or sticky

    • 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

    • 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