Explore this area in 3D
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.
Previous Next
Elevation: 5,380 ft 1,640 m
GPS: 39.10295, -108.72594
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 33,498 total · 115/month
Shared By: Matt Bauman on Dec 31, 2000
Admins: Jesse Zacher, Bradley Mark Edwards, Nick Reecy, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Page Updates (admin only)

Description Suggest change

Sentinel Spire is the beautiful free standing spire immediately across the canyon from Independence Monument. Most people approach it by rappelling from a tree at the Visitor's Center on the main rim road...then down climb easy slabs for a few hundred feet to the base of Fast Draw on the north face...or they go around to the south face to do the classic hard then hand crack, Medicine Man, 5.12b, and 4 pitches. The rock is composed of Windgate sandstone, the same as Indian Creek, but it is sandier and more lichen abounds (maybe more weathered). No matter, it is high quality crack climbing in a beautiful and less crowded setting.

4 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Sentinel Spire Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Sentinel Spire

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 57
● Fast Draw
Trad 3 pitches
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c PG13
 9
● Lizards & Scorpions w/ Sky on Tu…
Trad 3 pitches
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 95
● Medicine Man
Trad 4 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Fast Draw
 57
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Trad 3 pitches
● Lizards & Scorpions w/ Sky…
 9
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c PG13 Trad 3 pitches
● Medicine Man
 95
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Trad 4 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Sentinel Spire »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Sun Angles Details:
Sun Details Unknown. Know About It?

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

Add New Photo Drop down
Photos

On top o' Sentinel Spire (Colorado National Monument).
On top o' Sentinel Spire (Colorado National Mon…
 4
About to hit the traverse.
About to hit the traverse.
 3
untitled
 4
Approach beta for Sentinel Spire (if you rap in).
Approach beta for Sentinel Spire (if you rap in).
 2
Chain anchors on Fast Draw. These are the rap route for the spire as well.
Chain anchors on Fast Draw. These are the rap r…
 2
Photo of me rappelling off the wrong side of the canyon and realizing that my 150' static wasn't reaching the ground. Rappel on the looker's left side of the tower. <br> <br> Photo by Daniel Gallardo @tenkarausa.
Photo of me rappelling off the wrong side of th…
 0
Daniel rappelling to the ledge to approach Medicine Man. I think more people might go climber's left from here, but the tree above gave us the most confidence.
Daniel rappelling to the ledge to approach Medi…
 0
The shadow of the Spire shows the height difference between the North (left) and South (right) sides of the rock. Fast Draw cruises up the chilly North, Medicine Man basks in the sun on the South.
The shadow of the Spire shows the height differ…
 0
The place to rap is obvious. From Book Cliffs view, go out as close as you can to the spire. A tree right at the lip provides a good anchor. Rap no more than 100 feet to a fat ledge below, and follow cairns down.
The place to rap is obvious. From Book Cliffs v…
 0
Spires don't get much better.
Spires don't get much better.
 0
John Glime en route to the bottom of Sentinel.
John Glime en route to the bottom of Sentinel.
 0
Finish it.
Finish it.
 0

5 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading