Unlock the climbing potential of Colorado Springs with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. From Garden of the Gods’ red sandstone to the world-class limestone of Shelf Road, find routes for every skill level.
Unlock the climbing potential of Colorado Springs with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. From Garden of the Gods’ red sandstone to the world-class limestone of Shelf Road, find routes for every skill level.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Colorado Climbing Company · Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado’s second-largest city, offers a distinctive playground for climbers eager to test their skills on some of the West’s most compelling rock formations. The Colorado Climbing Company curates guided climbs around this vibrant region, turning its varied and striking terrain into an accessible challenge for climbers aged 8 and up, across all skill levels.
The trip unfolds over six hours, weaving through key sites known for their unique geology and climbing styles. Garden of the Gods presents breathtaking red sandstone towers that rise dramatically against the Colorado blue sky. Here, climbers navigate cracks and pockets etched into the rock, demanding technique while rewarding with spectacular views. Due to the sandstone’s fragility, climbs here require a careful 24-48 hour dry period after rain to preserve the rock and ensure safety.
When rain dampens the sandstone or summer heat peaks, Cheyenne Canyon offers shaded north-facing routes tucked into dense forest—a cooler, quieter alternative favored by locals. Red Rock Canyon provides shorter slab climbs on similar sandstone but with gentler features, making it an ideal spot for refining footwork and balance.
For sport climbers chasing steeper, more varied limestone routes, Shelf Road near Cañon City is a world-class destination. Its pocketed roofs and slabs challenge the hardest climbers, especially during Colorado’s cooler months.
What sets Colorado Climbing Company apart is its commitment to safety and education: every group is outfitted with individual and group gear, led by AMGA-certified guides who tailor instruction to the climbers’ abilities. The company’s integration into the community and respect for local environmental conditions make it a standout resource for visiting climbers. Whether seeking the classic sandstone formations close to the city or the rugged limestone of Shelf Road, this guided experience offers both adventure and expertise in a single package.
moderate.
6 hours.
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle sustained climbing and hiking approaches.
Participants must be at least 8 years old to join the regular climbing trips.
No prior experience is required; guides offer instruction and support for all skill levels.
Bring personal clothing suitable for weather, your own snacks and water, and sturdy footwear. All climbing gear is provided.
Climbs at sandstone locations like Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon are postponed until the rock dries to avoid damage and safety hazards.
Transportation to climbing locations is not included; participants should arrange their own travel to meeting points.
Yes, there are routes appropriate for children age 8 and up, with guide supervision ensuring safety.
Garden of the Gods has been a climbing location since the late 19th century and holds cultural significance for local Indigenous tribes.
Climbers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect seasonal closures to protect fragile sandstone formations and local wildlife habitats.
Colorado Climbing Company runs guided climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing trips and instructional courses across Colorado and in select national parks. The company’s offerings include introductory classes like Introduction to Rock Climbing and Gym to Crag, technical courses such as Learn to Lead Sport Climb Outdoors and Learn to Lead Traditional Climbs, and advanced seminars including Steep Ice and Mixed Technique and Climbing 301 — Climbing Big Things. Trips span diverse Colorado areas and beyond, with options in Rocky Mountain National Park, Silverton, Lake City, Ouray, Denver/Golden, Boulder/Estes Park, Telluride, Gunnison, Grand Junction, and San Juan ranges. Seasonal programming covers ice climbing at venues like Lake City Ice Park and guided backcountry ski and splitboard touring in Silverton and the Alpine Loop near Lake City. Offerings range from half-day guided ice climbs to multi-day alpine ascents and expedition preparation courses. Participants can choose guided experiences or technical instruction tailored to levels from beginner to advanced. Course titles and guided day trips reflect explicit instruction and guided formats, including avalanche and glacier-focused topics such as Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel and Private Custom Avalanche Instructions. Colorado Climbing Company presents a wide catalog of site-specific classic climbs, ski descents, and intensive seminars to support skill development and safe mountain travel.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company