Colorado National Monument
Scale the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs of Colorado National Monument for an unforgettable climbing experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes.
Iconic sandstone formations and towering cliffs
Varied climbing routes for all skill levels
Panoramic desert views that will leave you speechless
Led by local experts for a safe, enriching experience
What makes Colorado National Monument a special place for rock climbing?
Colorado National Monument is known for its gorgeous sandstone cliffs and beautiful desert towers. The area’s rich climbing history, including classic routes like “Otto’s Route,” adds a sense of adventure and heritage to the experience. You’ll climb in a magical desert landscape, surrounded by panoramic views that showcase the natural beauty of the Monument.
How early do we start the climb, and why?
We typically begin our climbing trips early in the morning, often before sunrise. This allows us to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid the direct sun during the approach and ascent. Starting early also means you’ll get to see the spectacular sunrise over the desert, adding a wonderfully serene touch to the experience.
Is Colorado National Monument suitable for first-time multi-pitch climbers?
This area features routes that cater to all experience levels. If you’re new to multi-pitch climbing, our guides will provide instruction and support throughout the climb, helping you navigate the terrain confidently. The experience is designed to be inclusive and can be tailored to match your skill level.
What is the highlight of a multi-pitch climb in Colorado National Monument?
One of the standout moments is reaching the summit of a desert tower like “Otto’s Route.” From the top, you’ll have an incredible 360-degree view of the surrounding canyon and views into the Colorado Rockies, making the effort of the climb truly worthwhile. The sense of accomplishment, combined with the awe-inspiring views, creates an unforgettable experience.
Description
Colorado National Monument is home of the awe inspiring “Otto’s Route”. The approach to the climb has alluring views but is lengthy. As a result we tend to leave rather early in the morning before the sun can get to us. As the sun rises we begin to ascend the desert tower. Fortunately, we stay protected in the shade during most of the climb. The climb is a great adventure with expansive views of the valley below.
The Colorado National Monument is filled with climbing history. Many of these routes were first climbed by John Otto of the National Park Service. His historic first ascents were completed before the area was even declared a National Monument. Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in this expedition with us!
Booking & Availability
Ready to begin your climbing adventure? We can’t wait to guide you on your Colorado National Monument Rock Climbing trip. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at (970) 949-9111 or use our contact page.
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call—our team is often able to accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility. Let’s get you on the rock!
Quick Information
Course Overview:
Enjoy the best of Colorado with our Colorado National Monument Multi-Pitch trips.
Dates:
Available daily
Duration:
1 day
Transportation:
First-come, first-served. Call to confirm and select premium package during check-out.
Location:
- Vail, CO
Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult
Special Requests:
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
What you should bring
WHAT TO BRING
- Waterproof shell
- Tennis shoes or trail shoes (no open-toed shoes) for approach
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- 32 oz. of water per person
- Snacks
- Avoid short shorts
ALSO CONSIDER
- Synthetic clothing
- Ice-cold fluids
- Lip balm
- Camera
APEX MOUNTAIN SCHOOL PROVIDES
- Climbing shoes
- Harnesses (42”/44” max)
- Helmets
- Ropes, belay devices, anchors
- Professional guide and instruction
Trip Insurance
Safeguard your guided trips and mountain courses with our comprehensive trip insurance, offering peace of mind and protection throughout your adventurous explorations.
Meet our guides
Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.
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