When winter snow blankets the peaks of Colorado, outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers certainly do not have to stow away their climbing gear. Colorado’s diverse landscape and abundant sunshine offer a plethora of winter rock climbing opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll unveil the top 5 best places to rock climb in Colorado in winter.
1. Shelf Road | Canon City, CO
Escape the cold and head south for an exhilarating rock climbing adventure at Shelf Road, Southern Colorado’s hidden gem for winter climbers. Known for its limestone cliffs, Shelf Road notably provides an ideal winter climbing destination with its south-facing crags, ensuring sun-soaked climbs even on the chilliest days.
2. North Table Mountain | Golden, CO
Because of its ample Colorado sunshine, North Table Mountain is a prime winter climbing destination. In contrast to north-facing crags, snow melts quickly off North Table Mountain due to its southern exposure. Just a short drive from Denver, winter climbers are drawn to North Table Mountain for its diverse range of routes, catering to both novice and seasoned climbers.
Click here for our North Table Mountain climbing guide!
3. Morrison Boulders | Morrison, CO
Grab your bouldering pads! Morrison Boulders offers an array of boulder problems for those seeking winter climbing in Colorado – with the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre just minutes away. Due to its proximity to Denver and full sunshine during the day, snow does not last long, which allows for outdoor bouldering nearly all year long!
Click here for our guide to Morrison Boulders!
4. Ouray Ice Climbing Park | Ouray, CO
Looking for a different way to rock climb in Colorado in winter? While technically not traditional rock climbing, Ouray Ice Park offers a unique winter climbing experience. Renowned as one of the world’s premier ice climbing destinations, Ouray Ice Park’s frozen waterfalls and ice-covered cliffs provide an exhilarating alternative for climbers seeking a winter challenge.
5. Your local indoor climbing gym!
Bad weather? Climb indoors! Colorado is home to numerous indoor climbing gyms across the state. As temperatures drop and outdoor climbing becomes less feasible, climbing gyms offer a warm and controlled environment for both new and advanced climbers to hone their skills and stay active.
The image below is Movement Golden in Golden, CO!
Where to Rock Climb in Colorado in Winter
In conclusion, whether you want to stay near Denver, or venture to the icy cascades of Ouray or the limestone cliffs of Shelf Road, these top 5 best places to rock climb in Colorado in winter ensure that the adrenaline-fueled spirit of rock climbing persists even in the chilliest months.
