Rising to an elevation of 9,301 feet, 10 Mile Tower demands the patient adventurer willing to push past the beaten path. This climbing spot offers a unique experience—a solitary multi-pitch sport route framed by a rugged wilderness setting that is as rewarding as it is challenging to reach. The area sits strategically between Sunshine Buttress and Whitecliff, making the journey as much a part of the adventure as the climb itself. Expect a bit of bushwhacking through thorny undergrowth and loose rock, a test of your determination and footing before the vertical challenge begins.

The approach to 10 Mile Tower is an exercise in careful route-finding rather than casual hiking. Most climbers report accessing the base by walking towards Sunshine Buttress and traversing over to the tower. This indirect path can feel rough underfoot and demands vigilance, especially with the sharp thorns and unstable stones. While no formal trail exists yet, the effort pays off with a quieter wall away from more trafficked areas.

Once at the base, climbers encounter the area’s lone sport route - Loaded Diaper, rated 5.10a. This climb is widely appreciated for its balanced challenge, earning a solid 3.5-star rating in the climbing community. Though the route count here is minimal, the multi-pitch format offers a genuine taste of alpine climbing with the security and flow of sport bolts. The rock type, while not detailed, preserves the essence of Colorado’s canyon climbs with rugged texture and natural lines carved in stone.

Weather plays a key role in planning your ascent. Situated at a high elevation, 10 Mile Tower’s prime climbing season generally spans from late spring through early fall, during months when precipitation is less frequent and temperatures kinder to exertion at altitude. Be prepared for the occasional afternoon storm typical of mountain climates and always check the forecast before your trip.

The tower faces predominantly the sun, which can heat the surface quickly on summer days but also offers warmth during early season climbs. Morning climbs allow for cooler conditions under partial shade, making timing a subtle but vital consideration. Descending is typically done by rappelling, so climbers should be proficient with multi-pitch rappel techniques and ready for careful rope management in an exposed environment.

10 Mile Tower’s remoteness and limited infrastructure mean a few extra precautions are essential. Carry enough water and a comprehensive rack suited for sport climbing, along with solid footwear to manage the thorny, loose approach. Local reports hint at a place yet to be fully discovered—if a proper trail is ever established, the area could quickly become a treasured destination for sport climbers seeking a quieter counterpart to nearby busier walls.

Though the climb offerings here are sparse, the presence of the classic Loaded Diaper route anchors the area’s appeal. This route’s approachable yet satisfying challenge presents an excellent introduction to multi-pitch sport climbing in a serene mountain setting. For climbers drawn to off-the-beaten-path objectives with a blend of raw nature and precision climbing, 10 Mile Tower holds unexpected promise and a rewarding experience for those who make the trek.