High above the Colorado Springs basin, on a rugged ridge watched over by The Martyr, Mt. Vigil, and the stark face of Purgatory, you’ll find The Gallery — a fresh and ambitious climbing zone that invites climbers of every stripe to come explore. Built into the dynamic hills above Old Stage Road, The Gallery stands apart with its remarkable blend of modern bolt-protected sport climbs, naturally protected trad outings, and bouldering tucked amid sun-bleached stone and newly carved climber trails.

From the moment you park your rig at the generous pullout along Old Stage Road — odometer reset, dust kicking beneath your boots — it’s clear that The Gallery is a step beyond the well-worn. The walk-in is short and straightforward: about 10 gentle minutes on faint tracks, guided by cairns and passing rustic markers like an old horse corral and a rough stone wall to your right. Stay on the established trail to protect this emerging area’s fragile slopes. The approach moves downhill, two intermittent stream crossings adding a whisper of moisture to the mountain air, before you reach the first band of colored cliffs.

The Gallery greets climbers with a succession of artistically named walls: Frida Kahlo, Keith Haring, Cheri Samba, and James Earle Fraser, each offering its own flavor, with the Jo Mora Wall tucked across the way. The vibe here is adventurous but friendly — you’ll see fresh bolts and hardware on most lines, with great care taken to place beefy anchors to lower from. Trad lines feature solid placements, giving those who relish gear a reason to load up. The Gallery’s rock is vertical to steeply overhung in places and is often firmer and cleaner than nearby Hurricane Ridge, although pockets of looser stone linger off-route and at the fringes — a reminder of this place’s youth.

Expect clear Colorado air and panoramic peaks in every direction. You move among aspens and pines as the walls unfold — the kind of scenery that makes you linger long after the afterburn fades from your forearms. With an elevation just under 8,400 feet, summer brings cool mornings and afternoons, with autumn firing the forest with color. Keep an eye on the seasons; prime days run from late spring through early fall, when you’re more likely to have dry, comfortable climbing weather and minimal snow obscuring the paths.

For climbers seeking a range of challenges, The Gallery won’t disappoint. Route grades span from casual 5.5 cruisers to intense 5.12 testpieces. Standout lines like Uptown, Downtown (5.4) and The Evolution of the Cowboy (5.8) lure newer leaders and folks seeking a mellow, well-protected mission. Experienced climbers will find quality testpieces like Lucky Strike (5.10b), End of the Trail (5.10b), Scratching A Twister (5.10c), Pop Shop 3 (5.11d), and the technical Roots (5.12a), with routes earning ratings from 3 to 4.5 stars for both movement and stone. Whether you climb trad, sport, or dabble with a crash pad, there’s a wall here waiting.

The Gallery is still developing, and you’ll spot red tape flagging routes that are under construction — please respect these signs and avoid unfinished lines. Many climbs have seen diligent cleaning already, but natural stone always holds a few surprises; be vigilant for loose flakes, especially if you drift from the established tracks. New hardware is in place for lowering, not repeated top-rope sessions. As always in the mountains, keeping your awareness up and packing a helmet are non-negotiable.

If you crave a place where adventure is still in the making, where every pitch feels like stepping into new terrain, The Gallery is yours to explore. Come for the scenery, stay for the movement, and leave with stories etched into your chalk-stained hands.