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The Watchtower Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Watchtower

	Business Loop S 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c PG13
	Highway Robbery S 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
	Watchtower Corner, The T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	West Face AKA Cold Feelings T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R

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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:	7,365 ft	2,245 m
GPS:	40.1709, -105.4136 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	7,827 total · 27/month
Shared By:	Richard M. Wright on Dec 31, 2000 · Updates
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: MM 23-29.5 - now ended daily CO 7 highway closure/delays Details

Per Kai Bouwman: the daily CO 7 highway closure/delay access issue is no longer a problem according to CDOT the construction finished as of Nov. 11, 2022.

From CDOT: Colorado Highway 7 is closed daily from MP 23-29.5. Motorists can only travel through the area between 6-8 am and 4-7 pm. During these timeframes, pilot cars will lead alternating one-way travel. Drivers should plan for delays, and this schedule will remain in place through Memorial Day 2022.

During the closure, motorists need to take US 36 to CO 7.

codot.gov/projects/co7-lyon…

Description

The Watchtower is a large imposing tooth-like formation with Northwest exposure. As of April 2001, this formation appears was to be closed to climbing having been purchased by a private party in 2000. Per Wild Cat: the formation is not on private property according to OnX, but is adjacent to a private lot. Do not park across the bridge You can walk across the bridge, but the property boundary lies just south - at the start of the driveway. The Watchtower does hold a few routes including an excellent 2 pitch sport route called Highway Robbery (5.12b). The rock is overall very good, although not the cleanest in the canyon. Climbing on the large North face is largely on fine sharp edges, while the trad corner contains a decent crack system.

Getting There

From the intersection in Lyons, head up the SSV canyon along highway 7 for 10.4 miles. The Watchtower is across the river, and a private bridge can (in principle) take you across. The approach is trivial, and parking is near by. Presently, it is advisable to get permission from the land owner to climb here.

4 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at The Watchtower

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

5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 8 ● The Watchtower Corner Trad 2 pitches
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c PG13 4 ● Business Loop Sport 3 pitches
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b 8 ● Highway Robbery Sport 2 pitches