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Elevation: 7,043 ft
GPS: 39.7428, -105.4043
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 160,813 total · 569/month
Shared By: Michael Komarnitsky on Dec 31, 2000 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures/CDOT Road Work DetailsDrop down
Warning Access Issue: Closure Notice DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Catslab is a popular near-roadside crag with a preponderance of lower end difficulty, bolt protected slab routes; however, there are a few harder routes and some that use gear. Be careful with rope lengths as some have come to find their rope a bit short and have sustained injuries and more. The crag can get quite warm in the sun. The belay areas can be a bit crowded.

If Catslab is crowded head over to Cats vs Dogs Wall which is a five minute walk. It has a similar selection of moderates on good rock.

This crag has had its share of access issues.

Getting There Suggest change

The Catslab is about 11 miles up the canyon. Take a left at the intersection for Blackhawk and going to Idaho Springs (go towards Idaho Springs). Go through the first tunnel, over the river, then immediately park, if possible, on the south side of the road. Walk back across the bridge, and then proceed about 1/4 mile south along a solid if slightly airy trail, to the slabby, south-facing face.

Per Ryan Dresser: as of 3/29/21, the main parking lot for Cat Slab by Tunnel 5 was closed for construction. The parking along the highway was also roped off with signs that read "No parking, Will Tow".

Per Ed Quesada: as of 7/6/22 - I just talked to Martha Campbell, and the parking lot and Catslab are now open.

L->R:

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A? Lesser of Two Evils, 5, 1p, 35', bolts.

B? Overflow Direct, 10-, 1p, 40', bolts.

C? Thinning the Herd, 9, 1p, 40', bolts.

D. The Pussy , 11+, 1p, 85', bolts & pin.

ED? Unknown, 6 or 8 PG-13, 1p, 70 or 140', gear & bolts or TR.

F. Reno Rampage, 7 PG-13, 1p, 105', gear.

G. Skimbleshanks, 8-, 1p, 130', bolts.

H. Summer Fling , 9+, 1p, 120', bolts.

I. Old Deuteronomy, 9, 1p, 100', bolts.

J. Mungajerry, 9, 1p, 100', bolts.

K. Rumple Teaser, 10-, 1p, 100', bolts.

L. Mr. Mistoffeles, 9, 1p, 110', bolts.

M. Gumby Cat, 4, 1p, 60', bolts.

M+. Jellicle Cats, 9, 1p, 140', bolts.

N. Crystal Cat, 9, 1p, 120', bolts.

O. MacCavity, 9, 1p, 120', bolts.

above O. Kitty's Back, 13-, 1p, 150', bolts +/- gear.

P1. Grizabella, 7, 1p, 95', bolts.

P2. Catlong, 13-, 1p, 150', bolts.

Q. Gus, 10, 1p, 90', bolts.

R. Nasty Kat, 9, 1p, 50', bolts.

Above

A1. Above O. Top Cat, 14-, 1p, bolts.

A2. Above O. Kitty's Back, 13-, 1p, bolts.

B1. Above P. Catlong, 13, 1p, bolts.

B2. Above P. Rum Tum Tugger, 11, 1p, 80', bolts.

Gear

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Please be warned! The majority of climbs in this area require a 70m rope to safety reach the ground. Every year, several climbers rap off their ends or are lowered off their rope, resulting in ground fall and severe injuries. Please pay attention to the route you are on and consider closing your system for safety.

Rattlesnake warning!

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Per Kelsey Tennett: a rattlesnake has been spotted on the trail in. Be careful with kids!

23 Total Climbs

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Location: The Catslab Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at The Catslab

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 391
Grizabella
Sport
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13
 14
Reno Rampage
Trad
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c
 496
Skimbleshanks
Sport
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 409
Mr. Mistoffeles
Sport
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 292
MacCavity
Sport
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 185
Crystal Cat
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 264
Old Deuteronomy
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 254
Mungajerry
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 113
Summer Fling
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 80
Overflow Direct
Sport
5.10a/b 6a+ 19 VI+ 19 E2 5b
 176
Jellicle Cats
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 253
Rumple Teaser
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 81
Gus
Sport
5.11b/c 6c+ 23 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 62
Rum Tum Tugger
Sport
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 26
The Pussy
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Grizabella
 391
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport
Reno Rampage
 14
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13 Trad
Skimbleshanks
 496
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c Sport
Mr. Mistoffeles
 409
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport
MacCavity
 292
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Sport
Crystal Cat
 185
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Sport
Old Deuteronomy
 264
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Mungajerry
 254
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Summer Fling
 113
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Overflow Direct
 80
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Jellicle Cats
 176
5.10a/b 6a+ 19 VI+ 19 E2 5b Sport
Rumple Teaser
 253
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Gus
 81
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Rum Tum Tugger
 62
5.11b/c 6c+ 23 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
The Pussy
 26
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport
More Classic Climbs in The Catslab »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Routes Mostly Face: South · Southwest
Sunny Roughly 10am to 3pm during high season
6am
8pm

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