The two areas Jefferson County Open Space intends to close in Clear Creek Canyon, shown on the attached maps, encompass the active eagle nests. If the Clear Creek eagles continue to nest in the active nests, these areas will remain closed from February 1 through July 31. If the eagles choose different nesting sites, the closures will be adjusted accordingly to protect those eagles during their breeding season.
Currently, rock climbing areas that fall inside of the seasonal raptor closures include:
Blonde Formation Bumbling Stock Evil Area Ghost Crag Highlander Skinny Legs Stumbling Block Tetanus Garden Fault Caves
Per Ondra Mahdal: the closure information is over 10 years old (I did call Martha to verify).
Previously, per CDOT/Daniel Dunn, BCC:
"Until further notice, the Cat Slab climbing area, located on the west side of Tunnel 5 immediately to the right if one is going downstream, will be closed for climbing. Clear Creek County Open Space has decided this closure is necessary for safety reasons with ongoing construction in the area. If you have any further questions please contact Martha Tableman at 303-679-2305."
After months of negotiation, Clear Creek County successfully acquired the 76-acre Oxbow Parcel that contains the Cat Slab cliff. While the cliff line is protected, the area is now officially open to the public. The County is working on developing and implementing a site plan to provide safe, off-road parking, which may include shifting the guard rail and gate to provide more parking as a short-term solution.
Cat Slab was a popular crag before it was closed to the public in 2006 due to liability concerns. The County purchased the land using $725,000 in lottery funds, awarded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). The County was supported by numerous recreational groups, including the Access Fund, Colorado Mountain Club, Colorado Whitewater, Trout Unlimited, International Mountain Bicycling Association, and Rafting Outfitters on Clear Creek.
Description
(95 feet) 9 bolts to a 2-bolt anchor. Begin at the far right of the Catslab below a large dirt-covered ledge. Have fun frictioning and hauling up this well-protected route with just a couple of points of 7. Scramble from the last bolt to a large belay ledge that is covered with loose pebbles. To descend, one can rappel with a single, standard rope angling right onto a brushy ledge. Down-climb easy terrain for 10 feet. Remember to tie stopper knots to prevent rapping off the ends.
[Hide Comment] I think the Grizabella is a good first sport climb or for a warmup. I would recommend a 60 meter rope if you beley from the bottom or the belayer can anchor in to the first hanger with a 50 meter rope.
Aug 5, 2001
[Hide Comment] BRING A 70M ROPE OR A RESPONSIBLE BELAYER. I took about a 20 footer with a 60m and a belayer that wasn't paying close attention to the end of the rope. Broken bones and a near death experience.
Jan 18, 2009
[Hide Comment] I did this climb and lowered off the anchors with a 60 meter rope and had a few extra feet of slack on the ground. I agree with the guidebook that this route is 95 feet. A 60 meter rope is adequate.
Jun 5, 2010
[Hide Comment] I counted 10 bolts + 2 bolt anchor..? Could just as easily be climbed with 9 + 2 though. I climbed it with a 70m rope, but I think a 60m would safely suffice if the belayer climbs up to the ledge near the first bolt.
Mar 16, 2014
[Hide Comment] Super fun. Would be happy to warm up on this every day. 60m rope is perfectly adequate unless you've trimmed 15+ feet off of it.
Nov 22, 2015
[Hide Comment] Great follow-up to Gumby Cat if early in season or new to leading. Can either stay on route for a few thin moves to build confidence (always had what I needed for hands or feet when I needed it) or traverse to more obvious feet or hands when got thin. 60m rope left about 4 remaining feet when leader hit the anchor, and we also has option for some pro placement and skip a bolt or two to practice trad lead.
May 22, 2016
[Hide Comment] Bolts on this route were replaced in 2022 with hardware provided by BCC. You can learn to replace bolts or donate to the anchor replacement program at boulderclimbers.org/bolt-re….
Feb 15, 2023
[Hide Comment] Fun family route. A bit over bolted, but that makes it safe for a first outdoor lead for a youth climber already proficient in the gym.
Apr 7, 2024
Avg: 2.2 from 409
votes
Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures
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castle rock, co
Golden, CO
I climbed it with a 70m rope, but I think a 60m would safely suffice if the belayer climbs up to the ledge near the first bolt. Mar 16, 2014
Lakewood, CO
Colorado
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO