Porky's Wall

Note, some of these crags are closed for raptor nesting. MORE INFO >>> Please check on the most up to date status with the park if in any doubt. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment Porky's Wall is currently closed through July of 2008 for a pair of Nesting Prairie Falcons.

Description 

A relatively undeveloped cliff that doesn't see much traffic on the West Rim. There are only five documented routes at this cliff in Hanson's guidebook and for good reason--most of the rock is crumbly, discontinuous, or short. A few trad leads and two sport routes offer the true Castlewood aficionado one more isolated crag. Beware in the spring/summer of thick patches of poison ivy.

Getting There 

This cliff is the southern most bit of rock on the West Rim, just West of the old dam ruins. It can be accessed from either the southern or northern park entrance.

From the North park entrance, park in the farthest south lot (next to the Cave Trail) and take the Creek Bottom Trail along the Cherry Creek all the way to the dam ruins. Take the dam trail past some dam steps to the top of the dam. Do not walk out on the dam. Take another trail away from the dam (which is currently closed for revegetation, but there's no other way to get to the wall, since walking on the road is also prohibited). Hike away (West) from the dam (damn I like saying that :-) and 30m North on the road to a semi clearing in the brush. Hike up to the most prominant looking section of rock.

From the South park entrance, take the Lake Gulch Trail (North) from the parking lot and down the cliff. You'll pass South Canyon Point on your right as the trail continues around the base of the cliffs. The trail will eventually intersect the Inner Canyon Trail near the creek. Take the IC trail North up to the dam ruins and up to the cliffs as described in the other approach.