Perched above the hum of I-70, White Cliff invites climbers to test their mettle on a rugged blend of gneiss and hornblende dikes at a lofty 9,500 feet. The cliff’s southeast face basks in sunlight through much of the day before drifting into shade in the hours before sunset — offering the best of both warm-up laps and cooler afternoon sends. Though compact, White Cliff earns its place in the hearts of local climbers and wandering road-trip adventurers alike, delivering a punch of slab, face, and roof routes set against the high country backdrop of the Tenmile Range.

Arriving at White Cliff feels both practical and a little magical. From Frisco’s #201 exit, a quick drive west brings you alongside open shouldered grass and a stand of slender aspens. Keep an eye out for a tall cairn and a handcrafted sign: proof that climbers have shaped and cherished this place across generations. The approach trail, steep but short, winds through forest shade for five to ten minutes before depositing you at the apron — the rock looming, pocked, and angular, waiting for chalk-dusted hands and rubber-soled determination.

If you’re craving variety, White Cliff delivers. Here, traditional and sport lines rise side-by-side, making it a spot where rack-toting purists and sport enthusiasts find common ground. Expect sticky holds on clean gneiss and the added interest of vertical dikes lacing the wall. Yet, the cliff’s exfoliating nature keeps every climber on their toes: while most rock is reliable, periodic loose chips and the occasional wobbling block demand mindfulness with each move and placement.

Route development here dates back decades, as faded bolt scars and remnants of early hardware attest. In recent years, a surge of community energy has brought new lines and updated protection — an ongoing renewal that honors the past while modernizing safety for today’s climbers. Local legends like Brian Pappas and Elias Martos have left their fingerprints here, not just on route names but in the continued spirit of stewardship.

The climbing is single-pitch, rarely intimidating in length but often challenging in character. Many lines top out in the 40-60 foot range, with grades primarily in the beginner-to-intermediate spectrum. Standout classics, each with their own personality, include Easy Redhead and Blow All My Troubles Away (both 5.7), Dirty Blonde, Blitz Girls, and Zebra (at 5.8). For those itching for steeper or more technical work, options like Wild Geese In the West, Hard Monkey, Parallel Universe, and Funky Gunky (all 5.9) and Overhangutang (5.10c) offer engaging movement and memorable sequences.

The atmosphere at White Cliff is friendly and low-key, with climbers often running laps or bouncing between sectors. Its proximity to other crags, including Mt. Royal and Diamond Wall, makes it easy to fill a long weekend with variety. Autumn brings golden aspens at their peak, and though summer draws the most traffic, climbing is possible year-round barring substantial snow or spring run-off (just be mindful of slippery approaches or unstable talus after storms).

Despite accessibility, White Cliff retains a sense of wildness — the thin air, the hush of trees, and the rush of wind across the canyon. Whether you’re sneaking in a session after work or settling in for a full day of exploration, this crag rewards attentive climbing and a willingness to share in local traditions. The only question left is whether you’ll opt for mellow slabs or tiptoe into the wilder side of its steepest faces.