Rappelling Spots

Anyone have any suggestions for fun rappelling spots? I have a 60m and 70m rope— Tried happy hour in boulder canyon and while climbing it was fun, the anchor set up without climbing was precarious.... looking for something similar to bobs rock in Buena Vista (set anchor on top of rock and walk back off ledge)

Hey Jessica, may not be quite the right place to ask the question. Lots of climbing anchors are set where they are to avoid actually topping out and lessing the chance of erosion and damage to things on top like trees. I would nudge you to reconsider rapping down any busy climbing crags (especially in the present state of things), as it's possible someone could be climbing up. If you're not familiar with the crags/routes, you could run into some frustration from the other users of the area - having a rope fly down unexpectedly isn't always fun. Cheers,

Long Ranger wrote: Hey Jessica, may not be quite the right place to ask the question. Lots of climbing anchors are set where they are to avoid actually topping out and lessing the chance of erosion and damage to things on top like trees. I would nudge you to reconsider rapping down any busy climbing crags (especially in the present state of things), as it's possible someone could be climbing up. If you're not familiar with the crags/routes, you could run into some frustration from the other users of the area - having a rope fly down unexpectedly isn't always fun. Cheers,

Very insightful- I appreciate the caution! I understand the need for thinking out your actions and being informed about the area you are in. This is one reason why I am asking for the community’s advice on good spots to go. Do you have any suggestions? 

Jessica King wrote:

Do you have any suggestions? 

I don't rappel as a hobby in of itself. I think what you're looking for is a canyoneering route, but I would caution against doing canyoneering routes at the moment (stay at home, and all)

For the most part, bolted anchors are there so that you can rappel after a climb, not so that you can rappel after walking up to the anchor. If a climbing area is developed for walking off, there probably wouldn't be any anchors to rap off of. Do you see the issue you're attempting to not ignore?

Along a similar vein, any suggestions on places to practice rappels in the metro area? With the need to stay close to home and away from the mountain communities, I’m looking for places to take the family to practice skills. 

North table in Golden.

If you know how to sling a tree (or two) for an anchor, the north end of Hawk-Eagle Ridge in Eldo would be a nice place. It is usually very secluded, so perfect for these times. Short sections of non-exposed 4th class terrain on the approach.

Your house's roof? #stayhome

Hey Jessica. Wow seems like such a simple question you asked.Well it is. I'm going to assume to are somewhat aware of virus issues. I'm going to assume you are not going to a climbing area and throw a rope on top of climbers. I'm going to assume you are aware of anchor issues. I'm going to assume you know the risk and danger of repelling. (rock fall, running out of rope, self rescue jugging, route selection, first aid plan, etc)
  Wow........wondering if all that was at all necessary? Given basic question of what places were a possibility for you to repel. I've no idea of your experience. I've been repelling for 40+ years. In the Army especially while in Alaska we repelled 10 to 1 to climbing. We repelled off of or out of just about everything. It can be a blast! I break norms in climbing by teaching repelling first. Starting on flat ground then 45 degree, 60 and then up to 90 and then overhanging. (that can be tricky on a start) Then with a pack. Some people will never be climbers but enjoy repelling from time to time. I also think it's a good thing to know if you spend anytime in backcountry.
  Having said all that bla bla bull crap I'm so good, you know nothing bs, I say go have fun. You can repel off just about anything with a good anchor, it's the landing part and terrain that makes it interesting. So as your question states it's route finding you need help in. Keep in mind some places like chutes can be really dangerous as well as some low angle areas due to avalanche, rockslide. Also, always have a bail kit and a couple runners or something for prusik. Always use back-up. Know anchors well!!! Know rope management when to throw, when to carry. Always, always have a plan to deal with worse case.
  Repelling can be a blast but as with any outdoor adventure can be dangerous. Be smart and learn upfront, not from mistakes! It could be your last. Find a mentor or three to help you and for goodness sake..........HAVE FUN, LIVE LIFE, BE KIND. 

John c johnc28849@yahoo.com wrote: Hey Jessica. Wow seems like such a simple question you asked.Well it is. I'm going to assume to are somewhat aware of virus issues. I'm going to assume you are not going to a climbing area and throw a rope on top of climbers. I'm going to assume you are aware of anchor issues. I'm going to assume you know the risk and danger of repelling. (rock fall, running out of rope, self rescue jugging, route selection, first aid plan, etc)
  Wow........wondering if all that was at all necessary? Given basic question of what places were a possibility for you to repel. I've no idea of your experience. I've been repelling for 40+ years. In the Army especially while in Alaska we repelled 10 to 1 to climbing. We repelled off of or out of just about everything. It can be a blast! I break norms in climbing by teaching repelling first. Starting on flat ground then 45 degree, 60 and then up to 90 and then overhanging. (that can be tricky on a start) Then with a pack. Some people will never be climbers but enjoy repelling from time to time. I also think it's a good thing to know if you spend anytime in backcountry.
  Having said all that bla bla bull crap I'm so good, you know nothing bs, I say go have fun. You can repel off just about anything with a good anchor, it's the landing part and terrain that makes it interesting. So as your question states it's route finding you need help in. Keep in mind some places like chutes can be really dangerous as well as some low angle areas due to avalanche, rockslide. Also, always have a bail kit and a couple runners or something for prusik. Always use back-up. Know anchors well!!! Know rope management when to throw, when to carry. Always, always have a plan to deal with worse case.
  Repelling can be a blast but as with any outdoor adventure can be dangerous. Be smart and learn upfront, not from mistakes! It could be your last. Find a mentor or three to help you and for goodness sake..........HAVE FUN, LIVE LIFE, BE KIND. 

Castlewood Canyon State Park might be the best spot. Tons of good trees and boulders up top to anchor off of and multiple spots to scramble to get back up. So much terrain to explore and get away from climbers and hikers so you aren't interfering with other park users. Just watch for snakes, poison ivy, ticks, bees, porcupines, scrub oak, sharp rocks, cactus, etc...

John c johnc28849@yahoo.com wrote: Hey Jessica. Wow seems like such a simple question you asked.Well it is. I'm going to assume to are somewhat aware of virus issues. I'm going to assume you are not going to a climbing area and throw a rope on top of climbers. I'm going to assume you are aware of anchor issues. I'm going to assume you know the risk and danger of repelling. (rock fall, running out of rope, self rescue jugging, route selection, first aid plan, etc)
  Wow........wondering if all that was at all necessary? Given basic question of what places were a possibility for you to repel. I've no idea of your experience. I've been repelling for 40+ years. In the Army especially while in Alaska we repelled 10 to 1 to climbing. We repelled off of or out of just about everything. It can be a blast! I break norms in climbing by teaching repelling first. Starting on flat ground then 45 degree, 60 and then up to 90 and then overhanging. (that can be tricky on a start) Then with a pack. Some people will never be climbers but enjoy repelling from time to time. I also think it's a good thing to know if you spend anytime in backcountry.
  Having said all that bla bla bull crap I'm so good, you know nothing bs, I say go have fun. You can repel off just about anything with a good anchor, it's the landing part and terrain that makes it interesting. So as your question states it's route finding you need help in. Keep in mind some places like chutes can be really dangerous as well as some low angle areas due to avalanche, rockslide. Also, always have a bail kit and a couple runners or something for prusik. Always use back-up. Know anchors well!!! Know rope management when to throw, when to carry. Always, always have a plan to deal with worse case.
  Repelling can be a blast but as with any outdoor adventure can be dangerous. Be smart and learn upfront, not from mistakes! It could be your last. Find a mentor or three to help you and for goodness sake..........HAVE FUN, LIVE LIFE, BE KIND.

Second Castlewood Canyon as many of the cliffs there can easily be accessed by walk ups and there are anchors already there and trees. 

Crown rock on Flagstaff is a good spot. Lots of easy top access and trees to tie off to. This is where I take people to practice rappelling before canyoneering trips