The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has a lot of adjectives for it. Steep, adventurous, exciting, committing are just a few. With some of the tallest walls in Colorado that aren't in the alpine zone it's a fantastic destination in the Spring and Fall seasons.
This is the destination for those who really want to push themselves since you hike down before you start your climb. Meaning if you don't make it to the top you'll have to do the dreaded walk of shame. With the feel of an alpine climb but the weather of the sagebrush ecosystem there is a lot of ground to cover if climbing up from the Gunnison River. While there are a few moderate climbs the biggest climbs tend to be in the harder end of the scale.
With camp sites near the rim and no large towns nearby the mood tends to be quieter and more austere than other climbing areas. After a day of climbing with just the rope, rack, and the shirt on your back you'll likely enjoy a meal around the campfire instead of celebratory beverages at a nearby restaurant. No rock climbing area in America can compare to climbing in the Black Canyon.
Climbing in the Black Canyon National Park is generally available in the spring after the snow melts. Generally weather is pleasant in the late spring and fall with some occasional cooler summer days.
| 1 Guide | Full Day (8 hours) | Extreme Day (10+ hours) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Guest | $429 | $699 | |
| 2 Guests | $369 | $599 | |
| 3+ Guests | Please call so we can discuss your group size and objectives | ||
Rate Information:
Rates are per person, e.g. 2 people for a Full Day would be $369/person for a total of $738. Trip start times are custom and at the discretion of your guide but expect early starts!
Discount Information: We appreciate our guests but discounts are limited to the following and cannot be combined with any other offer.
Early Bird Discounts and Last Chance Pricing:
Book early and save! Schedule any rock climbing trip a month or more in advance for a 10% discount. Any trip booked with less than 48 hours notice incur a $100 convenience fee.
Bundle Pricing: The ultimate way to get started climbing! Purchase 3 or more days of climbing guiding or instruction at once for a 10% discount. Schedule at your convenience.
While the town of Crawford is the nearest town for North Rim climbs it's about 45 minutes. Despite a small airport most will choose a bigger airport.
Flights into Grand Junction are closer and more widely available with a two hour drive while Denver International is more affordable with many more options but is nearly six hours away.
Most of the climbs are on the North Rim. There are a number of climbs in the Canyon but climbers must be proficient at climbing at leasts 5.9 to consider the Black Canyon as a climbing destination.
| Climb Name | Climb Description |
|---|---|
| Maiden Voyage (5.9-, 6 pitches) | The ideal first climb in the Black Canyon the committment is limited and there are additional options to extend the climb. |
| Comic Relief (5.10, 8 pitches) | With a name like this you have to wonder if you're on the receiving end of the joke. Alls well that ends well for those comfortable at the grade. |
| Scenic Cruise (5.10d, 15 pitches) | While it is certainly scenic I'd hardly call it a cruise. While it does avoid the offwidth pitches there are a lot of crack and exciting face pitches. |
-Group climbing equipment (ropes, carabiners, etc).
-Individual climbing equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, and belay devices).
-Guide with AMGA Training and Certification for climbing and instruction.
-Transportation to climbing sites or any sort of lodging.
-Guide gratuities.
-Personal clothing and footwear.
-Personal snacks and water.
-Trip Insurance
-Other costs not associated with services provided by The Colorado Climbing Company.
If for some reason you need to cancel your course or trip outside of 30 days you will receive a full refund less service charges to cover our costs incurred. For trips less than $500 this service charge is $50 and for those more than $500 this service charge is $100 or 10% of the trip cost, whichever is greater. If you must cancel within 30 days of the course or trip a refund of 50% will be given. All balances are due in full before the start of any course or trip and no refunds will be given beyond the course or trip date. In the case of unsafe conditions, weather or other circumstances beyond our control we will do our best to reschedule or issue a credit for a future trip. If this isn't possible you will receive a refund less the previously outlined service charges.
