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Climb towering granite cliffs in Unaweep Canyon or tackle sandstone towers at Colorado National Monument with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. Discover why Grand Junction is a must-visit desert climbing destination.
Climb towering granite cliffs in Unaweep Canyon or tackle sandstone towers at Colorado National Monument with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. Discover why Grand Junction is a must-visit desert climbing destination.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company
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Operated by Colorado Climbing Company · Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction, Colorado, marks the threshold where the arid landscapes of the Colorado Plateau begin, offering climbers a raw and rugged desert backdrop unlike anywhere else in the state. Colorado Climbing Company anchors their Grand Junction Regular Climb here, delivering a hands-on climbing experience tailored for those ready to engage with terrain that tests skill and rewards with unique geological beauty.
This six-hour guided adventure presents two standout climbing venues. First, Unaweep Canyon, whose towering 500-foot granite walls embody the power and quiet history of this Ute-named "canyon of divided waters." The dual-flowing river at its floor hints at local hydrological complexity while providing a cooler microclimate perfect for climbing in fall and spring. The granite here is rugged yet offers solid handholds, making it an excellent training ground for climbers aspiring to conquer the famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Alternatively, the Colorado National Monument brings climbers face-to-face with striking sandstone mesas, deep canyons, and a spectrum of crack and slab climbing routes. The sandstone, while stunning, demands respect; it is fragile when wet, needing at least a full day or two without rain before it’s safe to climb. The historic Independence Tower here stands as a desert sentinel that beckons climbers seeking a challenging but achievable tower ascent.
Colorado Climbing Company’s AMGA-certified guides provide expert instruction, gear, and safety protocols—with group sizes capped at 12 for an intimate, supportive experience. Beyond technical climbing, this trip is a lesson in the high desert’s unique ecosystem and geology, from pinyon pines and sagebrush to ancient rock strata carved over millennia.
Whether you’re sharpening your skills or stepping into desert climbing for the first time, this trip remains a distinct entry on any climber’s Colorado bucket list. Grand Junction isn’t just gateway city; it’s a gateway to the grit and grandeur of mountain climbing in the heart of the West.
moderate.
6 hours.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, capable of sustained physical effort including scrambling and climbing.
No prior experience is necessary. The guides offer instruction suitable for beginners and more advanced climbers.
Group and personal climbing gear, expert instruction, and certified guide support are included.
Yes, the minimum age is 8 years old, provided they meet basic fitness and safety requirements.
The climb is moderate in difficulty; participants should be in general good health and comfortable with physical activity.
Yes, but all climbers must meet safety standards; guides will inspect any personal equipment before use.
Climbing at Colorado National Monument requires at least 24-48 dry hours after rain; trips may be rescheduled for safety and to protect the rock.
The region was originally inhabited by the Ute people, with Unaweep Canyon’s name reflecting native connections to the land.
Colorado Climbing Company emphasizes minimizing impact on fragile desert sandstone and encourages practicing Leave No Trace principles during all climbs.
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