Sand Gulch  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  6,500' Lat, Long:  38.6202, -105.2312 Map Page Views:  128,437. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Kreighton Bieger on Jan 1, 2001 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 54° | 37° 61° | 39° 63° | 41° 73° | 41° 73° | 43°

BETA PHOTO: New sign in camping area Sand Gulch.

Description 

Sand Gulch is yet another top-notch Shelf crag, known particularly for its outstanding collection of moderates. The cliffs here are taller and more monolithic than most, offering long, continuous routes of impressive quality. Routes range in difficulty from ~5.8 to 5.12b. The various cliffs that comprise the Gulch face in various directions such that its possible to chase sun or shade at any time of day, as conditions dictate.

A 60m rope is good, and 10- 12 draws will get you up routes with a few to spare. There are moderate trad leads around, and some of the bolt routes will take gear if you so choose.

Getting There 

Park at the loop at the end of the Sand Gulch Campground road. A good trail departs from the north end of this loop, and quickly drops into the sandy wash that flows from the mouth of the gulch. Trails for the Contest Wall and the Free Form Wall depart from this wash.

The Classics

Featured Route For Sand Gulch

Freeform 5.12a  CO : Shelf Road : ... : Free Form Wall

An exceptional route that will demand strength, technique, and innovation. This is a Shelf Road top 10 (IMHO).To find this route, hike up to the Free Form Wall in the Sand Gulch canyon. Towards the far left end of this wall is a yawning chimney with red home made hangers. This bolted chimney is "Barney (5.9)". to the left of this is "Freeform". It is noticeable by the steep, somewhat left-leaning arete-like prow at the top.Chalk up, load yer guns, and keep the children off the street.Cruise...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO