Just an hour’s drive from the quaint, historic charm of Manitou Springs, lies a climber’s utopia—the South Platte. It’s a place where I cut my teeth on traditional climbing long before ‘trad climbing’ entered the lexicon of the sport. It’s a realm where the air is as crisp as the bite of a cam in granite, a sanctuary where eagles dare and climbers follow.
The South Platte isn’t just another climbing spot; it’s a legacy carved in rough granite. With over 3000 routes punctuating its skyline, the pinnacles here stand as testaments to both nature’s artistry and the human spirit’s audacity. From the textured slabs that demand a dancer’s poise to overhangs that challenge the sinews of the strongest, this area offers a full spectrum of climbs—each a riddle spelled out in stone and sky.
Top Spots
- Devil’s Head: Here, the rock formations are a pantheon for the devoted. The multi-pitch climbs of Devil’s Head invite you to a vertical pilgrimage, where the reward at the end is a view that rivals the gods’.
- Turkey Rocks: This is a place where time stands still, and the only thing that matters is the moment your fingers clasp another hold. Turkey Rocks is the very definition of trad climbing, demanding respect and offering exhilaration in return.
- Cathedral Spires: As the name suggests, these are the spires of the devout climber. Ascending these routes is like chanting a silent prayer with every move, every breath.
Trad Climbing: The Soul of the South Platte
Trad climbing in the South Platte is more than a sport—it’s a conversation with the rock, a dialogue that has persisted through the years. It’s a tradition, a ritual, and for many of us, a rite of passage. The routes here are not just paths up a rock face; they’re stories, histories, and sometimes, legends.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the crags or the whispers of climbing lore, the South Platte region near Manitou Springs is a touchstone for those who seek to chart their course, to find their grip in the grand narrative of climbing. So lace up your shoes, rack your gear, and prepare to be part of the ongoing saga that is Colorado rock climbing. Here, in the embrace of the South Platte, every hold is a new chapter, and every summit is a tale waiting to be told.
