"Frida Kahlo Wall delivers steep, shaded sport climbing just minutes from Old Stage Rd near Colorado Springs. With crisp air, quality rock, and standout routes like The Broken Column and Roots, it’s ideal for both relaxed sessions and solid challenges."
Tucked in the foothills west of Colorado Springs, Frida Kahlo Wall is a compact but striking sport climbing zone offering shade, steep lines, and a taste of adventure at 8,380 feet. With the rugged backdrop of the Old Stage Rd corridor and the scent of pines on the breeze, this wall beckons climbers seeking both quality movement and a peaceful setting above the bustle of town.
As you hike the short, ten-minute approach from the car, excitement builds with each step. The trail gradually leads through mixed forest, with glimpses of sun streaming through trees as you approach the cliff line. The Frida Kahlo Wall is the first face you encounter — an immediate reward for your effort, its brown and gray rock standing proud with just enough height and steepness to get the pulse racing.
Frida Kahlo Wall is all about precision and enjoyment. The rock here is steep and solid, with two prominent bolted sport routes that stay cool throughout most of the day thanks to ample shade. The reliability of the stone and well-placed bolts ensure each climb is as enjoyable as it is safe, setting the scene for memorable sessions, whether you’re hunting for a warm-up or looking to push your limits.
Classic lines include The Broken Column (5.8), a favorite for those easing into the day or building confidence, and Roots (5.12a), which attracts those ready for a more technical challenge. Both lines are well acclaimed and speak to the diversity of climbing on offer — from approachable to advanced, with clean movement and memorable sequences. The wall’s steepness makes for athletic climbing, yet its holds are trustworthy, inviting repeat efforts and skill progression.
At this elevation, the air feels crisp and the silence is only broken by the occasional breeze or the quiet confidence of the local climbers. The setting — part of Colorado’s vast public lands — offers sweeping glimpses into the trees below and a sense of space that rejuvenates. Here, you can focus solely on the climb, away from crowds, surrounded by peaks and sky.
Planning your trip is straightforward. The approach is short, the wall easy to find, and the lines well protected. Mornings and afternoons are both excellent thanks to reliable shade — perfect for escaping the summer sun or stretching your season into early fall. While amenities are few and the experience is decidedly wild, the practical layout and proximity to Colorado Springs make it possible to climb a session and be back for dinner in town.
Overall, climbing at Frida Kahlo Wall delivers a blend of adventure and ease. Whether you’re ticking your first sport routes or pushing into the upper grades, the well-featured stone and tranquil environment provide an ideal canvas for a day outdoors. Bring your sport rack, a friend or two, and let the wall guide your day — one shaded route at a time.
The steep rock is generally solid, but always inspect holds and bolted anchors before each climb. Double-check for loose rock after seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, and be mindful on the approach, which can be slick after rain.
Start early during summer for the most consistent shade and cooler temperatures.
The approach is short but steep; wear sturdy shoes for the forested trail and loose terrain.
The wall is close to the parking area — pack out all trash to keep the area pristine.
Routes dry out quickly after rain, but check holds for moisture on cooler days.
All routes are fully bolted sport climbs. Bring a standard sport rack with about 8-10 quickdraws per route, and a 60m rope is sufficient given the moderate wall height.
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