Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: 6,600 ft
GPS: 39.7392, -105.323
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 67,926 total · 240/month
Shared By: Richard M. Wright 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

Description Suggest change

The Mission Wall is a large, dark presence in Clear Creek Canyon that sits just across the river from the Wall of The '90s. Facing North and East, the crag sees little action, and coupled with the present need to wade the creek is never likely to be very popular. However, the brooding presence of The Mission Wall in the winter takes on a much more alluring character in the heat of the summer when it can be the most inviting place in Clear Creek. The crag hosts some of the more difficult lines in Clear Creek and some of the longest. The rock is not overall the best, but the routes that have gone in are largely on very nice stone. Presently two long three pitch routes exist along with a two pitch line and several single pitch routes. Over the years, some powerful guns have established the major routes. Jimmy Surette, Steve Landin, and Greg Purnell have all put up fine routes between 5.12 and middle 5.13. A few easier lines exist as well.

Getting There Suggest change

The Mission Wall lies just West of tunnel two in Clear Creek Canyon. Parking can be had in the same spot used for The Wall of The '90s, that although once generous, has been recently reduced by the CDOT. Access to The Mission Wall has always been a problem. In a good year, the Tyrolean traverses remain in place long enough to get in some good climbing days on The Mission Wall. In a bad year, such as last year, they all get chopped. All of the half dozen Tyroleans put in place by Greg Purnell in 2000 have been vandalized or chopped. Presently, we have no good answer for this dilemma.

For the wire tyrolean, a metal pulley is recommended to avoid chewing through your carabiners. Safety glasses or sunglasses will help with the metal shavings, too.

Per Conner Choi: the wire tyrolean is now equipped with 5 metal rings for crossing. On a warm winter day, you simply walk across the frozen river.

L->R: (in progress)

Suggest change

Ground level:

A. It's Not You, It's Me, 9+, 3p, 200', gear.

B. Ride the Snake, 9+, 2p, 140', bolts & gear.

C. Gneiss Route, 12-, 2p, bolts.

D. Billy, 11, 1p, 120', bolts.

E. Wild Child, 11, 4p, 320', bolts.

F. Eye of the Beholder, 10, 4p, 320', bolts & gear.

G. Challenger, 11, 1p, bolts.

HG. Ground Control to Gumby One, 10-, 1p, bolts.

I. Floorshow, 12 A0, 2-4p, bolts.

J. Behind the Sun, 12, 2p, bolts. 140' & R of Floorshow.

120-140' up:

L. Garrett's Revenge, 12-, 2p, bolts & gear.

M. Billy The Kid, 12, bolts & gear.

N. Gneiss Roof, 9+, 2p, bolts & gear.

O. Rocketman, 12+, 2p, bolts.

Near the top (Surette Ledge):

R. Unknown, bolts.

S. Surette Route aka Three Points of Contact, 13, bolts.

T. Unknown, bolts.

U. Unknown, bolts.

Rattlesnakes

Suggest change
An adult rattler has been seen just below the scramble up to the wire tyrolean. Watch your step!

14 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: The Mission Wall Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at The Mission Wall

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 154
Ride The Snake
Trad 2 pitches
5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 24
Ground Control to Gumby One
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 199
Gneiss Roof (AKA: Nice Ride)
Trad 4 pitches
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 156
Wild Child
Sport 4 pitches
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 31
Billy
Sport
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 31
Garrett's Revenge
Sport 4 pitches
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
 14
Gneiss Route
Sport 2 pitches
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 11
Behind The Sun
Sport 2 pitches
5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b
 9
Rocketman
Sport 4 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Ride The Snake
 154
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad 2 pitches
Ground Control to Gumby One
 24
5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Gneiss Roof (AKA: Nice Ride)
 199
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad 4 pitches
Wild Child
 156
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport 4 pitches
Billy
 31
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
Garrett's Revenge
 31
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport 4 pitches
Gneiss Route
 14
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a Sport 2 pitches
Behind The Sun
 11
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport 2 pitches
Rocketman
 9
5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b Sport 4 pitches
More Classic Climbs in The Mission Wall »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading