Set amidst the pine-dotted canyons above Colorado Springs, the Cheri Samba Wall offers ambitious climbers a quick taste of the region’s higher-elevation sport climbing. At 8,393 feet, the wall’s position along Old Stage Road draws not only crisp mountain air but the kind of solitude that turns a standard session into a mini-adventure. This is an area where the crags keep their secrets—less trafficked, a bit off the main circuit, yet with enough established quality to warrant regular visits by the local crew or travelers looking for fresh challenges away from the crowds.

Arriving at Cheri Samba Wall feels like crossing an invisible line into the upper reaches of Gallery’s climbing network. After a short hike that continues past split crags and a gritty dividing crack, the wall comes into view—a steep slice of stone trimmed with the clean, sharp features that call out for technical footwork and steady hands. The lower half starts with slightly more friable rock, which rewards slow, methodical movement. As you pull higher, the holds solidify, and confidence builds along with the quality of the climbing.

Currently, Cheri Samba features two established sport routes, but it’s clear from quick glances at the remaining line possibilities that this wall may evolve further in the years to come. Both "Water Problem" (5.10a) and "Love and Watermelon" (5.10c) have become local classics—each delivers distinct cruxes that demand precise foot placements and just the right body positioning. The stone grows noticeably better on the upper halves, a feature seasoned climbers will appreciate as pump gives way to flow higher up.

The vibe here is unhurried and pleasantly remote. It's not unusual to have the wall to yourself, with just the wind stirring the trees and the faint, far-off sounds of Colorado Springs below. The altitude blesses Cheri Samba with cool conditions through much of the warmer season, stretching the prime climbing window well beyond that of the lower Front Range. Frequent afternoon showers are a possibility at this height, so timing and preparation pay off.

Access is straightforward but demands a touch of vigilance. From the main Gallery approach, the trail skirts the lower bases, and the Cheri Samba Wall appears only after walking past a distinct, scruffy crack separating it from its neighbor, Keith Haring Wall. Pay attention underfoot; the forest floor here can be uneven, and loose scree on steeper bits calls for steady shoes. While this sector is compact, its elevated placement and lower foot traffic help preserve an unhurried character that urban-zone crags can’t match.

Climbers with a taste for modestly rated but engaging movement will feel right at home here. The grades track in line with other Gallery crags—straight-shooting, honest difficulties without the notorious sandbagging of certain other Front Range bastions. Sport gear is the standard for current routes: draws and a reliable rope suffice (but always eyeball the anchors). As for protection, the bolts are solid and the lines well-equipped—though a habit of case-by-case inspection keeps everyone safe on mountain stone. The descent for both main routes is via established anchors—bring a 60m rope and check anchors for weathering, as High Country cycles can be hard on fixed hardware.

Expectations here should tilt towards the experience of space, scenery, and technical climbing on relatively untapped walls. Whether you’re a Colorado Springs local craving something quieter, or a road-tripper chasing new lines above 8,000 feet, Cheri Samba Wall hits the mark. The combination of accessible remote climbing, classic sport moves, and room for progression makes every trip a memorable one.