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Elevation: 8,584 ft
GPS: 39.5077, -106.3782
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 36,841 total · 137/month
Shared By: Richard M. Wright on Mar 15, 2002
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: Private Property DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Gilman Canyon has always left me a bit under-whelmed as a climbing destination, however, set at the foot of the Holy Cross Wilderness as it is, Gilman is worth an exploratory trip now and then. The crags are just off the RR tracks, on the right, with most of the approach entailing a hike along the tracks. The stone is a highly featured black colored granite that produces edge and pocket climbing on largely vertical walls. Most routes are between 40 and 80 ft in length, West facing, but low in the canyon. The individual crags hold only a few routes each but they are scattered along-side the tracks for half a mile. Most approaches from the tracks are under one minute in duration, although some crags higher up the canyon have been developed. Route development has followed a more or less reluctant acceptance of bolting and as a result many of the lines will use trad gear, pins, and bolts as needed. Many of the lines are pure trad, so don't forget to bring a rack with wires and a full set of camming units. This is an alpine setting and climbing won't really take off until the middle of April, and even then it can be chancy or cold. Mid-summer of course is a good time. For simplicity, numbering begins close to the parking and follows the right fork in the tracks. An additional crag sitting left of the second set of tracks has been climbed.

Getting There Suggest change

Gilman Canyon is about 20 minutes West and South of Vail and is most commonly approached from I-70, making it a 2 hour drive from Denver. West of Vail, take exit number 171 for Minturn and pick up US 24 running South to Leadville. About five miles South of Minturn you will come to the spectacular Redcliff bridge. Immeditely South of the bridge is a turn off that will take you down to the railroad tracks, Gilman Canyon, and the Eagle River.

Park along the road that goes into Red Cliff. Do not park at the water treatment center.

14 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Gilman Canyon

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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