Within 90 minutes of Manitou Springs you’ll find plenty world class climbing destinations.
The South Platte’s – 3000+ routes and climbing
I started exploring the South Platte in the 80’s – climbing trad before ‘trad climbing’ was a word. Visit the South Platte between Woodland Park and Deckers just to experience the stunning beauty of the many granite pinnacles. Or you can boulder. Or you can scramble. Or top rope. But if you’re looking for some memorable multi-pitch trad, here’s a few tips:
Bring tape. Bring cams – more than you think you’ll need. Be careful with your rope toss – those cracks eat 9mm. Be ready to double rope as needed. There are more bolts today than there were 30+ years ago, but consider them gravy if you find them. Consult Mountain Project for additional insight, but here’s a couple of my favorites:
- Devil’s Head: A bastion for multipitch traditionalists seeking solace above the clouds, where the rock is as steadfast as the climber’s resolve.
- Turkey Rocks: Esteemed for its textbook cracks, Turkey Rocks rocks. With classic, even historical routes that map the chronicles of climbing’s yesteryears, the climbs here are as much about heritage as they are about the challenge.
- Cathedral Spires: A collection of towers that stretch skyward, the Cathedral Spires are less climbed but deeply revered. Here, the routes are a dialogue between climber and the vertical world, each move a stanza in a greater epic.
Beyond Manitou’s Borders
- Clear Creek Canyon: Just beyond the foothills, Clear Creek offers a gamut of sport routes that have become the training ground for the region’s aspirants and aces alike. Ice Climbing too.
- Eldorado Canyon State Park: A touchstone of climbing history, Eldorado Canyon’s precipices offer a ton of traditional and sport routes. Its storied walls are a testament to the timeless allure of climbing. It’s also busy, so don’t expect solitude on a warm day.
Within the Mountain’s Shadow
- Garden of the Gods: A mere stone’s throw from Manitou, the Garden’s sandstone formations present climbers with a unique geological canvas. Here, each route is both a physical and a sensory journey.
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space: Offering a diverse set of sport climbs, this locale is a testament to the accessibility and versatility of the climbing in this region. It’s a perfect microcosm of the Manitou climbing experience.
