What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least 8 years old to join the climbs.

Are climbing shoes and gear provided?

Yes, all group and individual climbing equipment, including shoes, harness, helmet, and ropes, is provided.

Do I need prior climbing experience?

While some routes are beginner-friendly, basic climbing skills are recommended. Guides tailor support to your level.

How physically demanding is this climbing experience?

The climbs range from moderate to challenging, so a reasonable fitness level and stamina for multi-pitch climbing are needed.

What should I bring with me?

Bring personal clothing suited for movement, water, snacks, transportation to the site, and gratuities for your guide.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

Climbs may be rescheduled or canceled to ensure safety in case of storms or unsuitable weather.

South Platte Classic Climbs: Granite Domes and Crack Challenges in 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.