Standing as the easternmost and most visually striking of Cathedral Park’s storied spires, The Bishop rises out of the high-altitude landscape with an air of both invitation and mystery. At 9,609 feet, this granite tower dominates the east side above Squire Gulch, beckoning committed climbers to experience its blank, solid faces and lofty perspectives.

Right from the moment you lay eyes on The Bishop, there’s a mix of anticipation and respect. Unlike its neighboring spires, The Bishop is renowned for its largely featureless rock, providing a true test of movement and mental poise. The stone is notably solid underfoot — a reassuring trait when committing to smaller holds and technical sequences high above the ground.

Accessing the spire is a journey in itself. After parking your vehicle well before Cathedral Park’s Clyde landmark and tunnel, respecting crucial private property boundaries is a must. The approach leads you through the dramatic corridors of Squire Gulch on a distinct main trail. As you cut southward, the terrain opens into a gentle slope, gradually depositing you at the base of The Bishop’s southern face. The trail is well-worn, and the rise isn’t overly strenuous, making the approach approachable for those used to thin mountain air.

The climbing on The Bishop is multi-pitch and rewarding, featuring some of the area’s most memorable lines. The route Losing My Religion (5.10a) epitomizes the experience here: it begins at the lowest toe of the formation and ascends directly to The Bishop’s highest point, stringing together multiple fun and engaging pitches. While the climbing is technically demanding, the payoff is enormous — with vast views of the surrounding high country blossoming with every belay.

Weather and conditions can shift rapidly at this altitude. Spring through fall generally offers the best windows, but afternoons can bring fast-moving clouds and the possibility of sudden showers. It’s wise to set off early and keep one eye on the skyline. On clear days, sun pours onto the south face for much of the day, warming the stone and keeping conditions prime for attempts.

Cathedral Park, with The Bishop as a striking anchor, is situated above Colorado Springs along the Old Stage Road corridor. The area is peaceful, with the remote feeling enhanced by the elevation and relative quiet. While you’re close to civilization, the sense of commitment is real — and the views at every stance are vast and humbling. For climbers driven by clean lines, quality rock, and just enough wildness to keep it interesting, The Bishop sits at the heart of what makes Colorado spire climbing so unforgettable.

Planning your day here means keeping a few things in mind. The land just below The Bishop crosses through some private property; always double-check maps before your arrival and avoid parking past the designated spots. While the rock quality is high throughout, the blankness demands careful route-finding and thoughtful gear placements. Multiple pitches mean parties will want to move efficiently and stay aware of other groups, especially on classic routes like Losing My Religion.

The descent is straightforward, usually by rappel from fixed anchors atop the spire. Double-check anchor conditions and back up as needed. The walk out, retracing your steps through the quiet gulch, gives you time to reflect on a classic Colorado experience — big air, bigger views, and the satisfaction of lines climbed high above the road.

For those who crave the challenge of exposure and technical movement on bullet-hard granite, The Bishop is hard to beat. There aren’t a huge number of established routes, but what you’ll find are real classics, each pitch a worthy puzzle. Pair it with the reliable Colorado sunshine, sweeping vistas, and a touch of mountain remoteness, and it’s clear why this tower keeps climbers coming back.