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Discover the South Platte’s granite domes and challenging crack climbs just outside Colorado Springs. From the approachable Center Route to the demanding Wunsch's Dihedral, this guided climbing experience offers unforgettable ascents in one of Colorado’s prime outdoor playgrounds.
Discover the South Platte’s granite domes and challenging crack climbs just outside Colorado Springs. From the approachable Center Route to the demanding Wunsch's Dihedral, this guided climbing experience offers unforgettable ascents in one of Colorado’s prime outdoor playgrounds.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company
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Operated by Colorado Climbing Company · Colorado Springs, Colorado
In the heart of Colorado’s South Platte river basin, adventure seekers find themselves immersed in an extraordinary climbing landscape defined by expansive granite domes and rugged crack systems. South Platte Classic Climbs beckons climbers of all levels to experience routes that stand out for their technical challenge and pure climbing pleasure. Just a short drive from Colorado Springs, this climbing destination offers a fusion of impressive geology and diverse terrain, presenting a truly compelling outdoor experience in the Rocky Mountain foothills.
The South Platte region stretches along the river basin, renowned among climbers as a golden slab and crack paradise. Its granite possesses a unique texture and strength, making it an ideal playground for hand crack and dihedral climbers. The area is not simply a collection of rocks—it’s a visually striking expanse where the elements meet enduring stone to craft routes that demand skill, endurance, and focus.
Among the classic climbs offered, the Center Route is a standout. Generously described as 5.9 hand crack terrain, this climb unfolds over three pitches that reward climbers with sustained technical moves and a commanding sense of accomplishment. The approach, while modest, sets the tone for the crack climbing mastery required, culminating in a quick rappel descent back to solid ground. For those craving a more formidable challenge, Wunsch's Dihedral awaits. This route starts with a near 5.12 crack climb, steep and varied, testing climbers’ crack and dihedral technique as they ascend to a pinnacle summit with stunning views.
Every climb is guided by AMGA-certified instructors from The Colorado Climbing Company, ensuring a blend of safety, expertise, and personalized attention. This trip includes group and individual climbing equipment—harnesses, helmets, ropes, belay devices—all standard to a top-tier climbing adventure, so climbers can focus on the thrill without gear concerns.
The region’s natural backdrop frames climbs with sweeping vistas and the melodic flow of the South Platte River nearby, enriching each vertical journey with scenic detail unique to Colorado’s geological legacy. Beyond climbing, the area’s flora and fauna—from resilient alpine plants to soaring raptors—offer a quiet connection to nature’s resilience.
Whether you're a climber stepping into crack climbing for the first time or seeking to push grades on steep dihedrals, South Platte Classic Climbs in Colorado Springs delivers a dose of raw, hands-on adventure fused with the beauty of an iconic Western landscape. This is climbing where grit meets granite, and every pitch carves a story in stone.
challenging.
4–6 hours.
Moderate to high fitness is recommended due to sustained climbing and approach hikes.
Participants must be at least 8 years old to join the climbs.
Yes, all group and individual climbing equipment, including shoes, harness, helmet, and ropes, is provided.
While some routes are beginner-friendly, basic climbing skills are recommended. Guides tailor support to your level.
The climbs range from moderate to challenging, so a reasonable fitness level and stamina for multi-pitch climbing are needed.
Bring personal clothing suited for movement, water, snacks, transportation to the site, and gratuities for your guide.
Climbs may be rescheduled or canceled to ensure safety in case of storms or unsuitable weather.
The South Platte climbing area formed from ancient granite uplifted over millions of years, attracting climbers since the mid-20th century.
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate granite surfaces and surrounding natural habitat.
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