Tiger Cliff Rock Climbing

This beautiful black-and-gold-streaked cliff sits over the upper end of the Timberline Lake drainage. The rock is among the best granite in Colorado, rivaling that of the Bugaboos and Sierra. While the approach is on the long side (1.5 hours) for a single-pitch crag, the excellent routes at Tiger Cliff make it well worth the effort to get there. The rock is quite clean, and the developers have put significant effort to maintain the wilderness element of the area while also making is accessible to future visitors. Most routes have quality rappel anchors (often two bolts). There are currently two fully equipped sport climbs; the rest of the routes require traditional protection.

Tiger Cliff is east and south-facing, offering a longer season that other areas in a similar alpine setting. Some of the aesthetic black streaks and cracks seep in early season and after particularly heavy rains. The season for Tiger Cliff runs from sometime in June to November (due to snow above the cliff or on the approach or Turquoise Lake Rd. seasonal closure).

The cliff is broken up into three sectors. The Main Wall is on the right and has the longest routes (right at 30m, ranging from 5.8 to 5.12). In the middle is the very pumpy Stripes Wall with lines from 5.11+ to 5.13-. Finally, on the left is the creatively named Left Side with the easiest routes at Tiger Cliff (5.7-5.10+).