Red Rock Canyon Open Space Rock Climbing

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a 787-acre parkland owned by the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. The park opened at the end of October, 2004. The park, composed of three distinct drainages, nestles against the Front Range south of the Garden of the Gods and US 24.

Rock climbing is allowed on the East and West Canyon Walls in Red Rock Canyon itself, but nowhere else in the park. Over 90 bolted routes up to 130 feet high ascend the ruddy sandstone walls, offering a marvelous new arena for Pikes Peak region climbers. The climbing is similar to that in the neighboring Garden of the Gods, but offers better stone, excellent protection and rappel anchors, and lots of moderate routes. The park also offers lots of serenity and isolation in a beautiful natural setting.

Due to the crackless nature of the sandstone, all RRC routes are bolted sport climbs with only a handful of routes that also require an occasional cam or nut. All routes are equipped with lowering and rappel anchors. There are 13 distinct cliffs that offer climbing. The rest of the park is off-limits for technical climbing.

Climbing at Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a managed process. At the city's request, a group of local climbers came up with a management plan to create a safe and environmentally-conscious rock climbing area, thereby avoiding all the problems that occur at the Garden of the Gods. Also at the city's request all the routes were established before the park was open. Over 30 local climbers participated in the creation of this new climbing park. A new climber liason group, the Red Rock Canyon Climber's Alliance, is the official intermediary between rock climbers and the city of Colorado Springs. Any climber can join by sending their email address to me.

"Red Rock Canyon Open Space: A Rock Climber's Guide" by Stewart Green was published in early November by the Red Rock Canyon Climber's Alliance. It is available at a nominal price at stores in the Pikes Peak region, including the Mountain Chalet, The Colorado Springs Sport Climbing Center, and the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE GUIDEBOOK GO TO SUPPORT CLIMBING AT RED ROCK CANYON AND THE GARDEN OF THE GODS. The guidebook will not be available on the web because of this. Support local climbing areas by purchasing the local guidebook.