The crag is located on top of the hill above the New River Wall. It is an excellent crag that receives lots of sun. This makes for great winter crag. The routes here tend to be vertical to overhung, often containing small roofs to navigate. The bolting is generous and safe. Overall, this is a great area, but the twenty minute approach limits its popularity. That said, this cliff makes for a less-crowded climbing area if you are willing to walk a little. Most routes are in the 5.10 - 5.11 range, with a few 5.12s that are very good. It should be noted that many of the 5.10 lines are soft for the grade and make good routes for the 5.9 leader who is aspiring to lead 5.10. Most of the routes are on solid stone, but some of the less traveled routes will have some loose rock, still. In general, the right (main) wall is very solid, while the routes on the left side tend to be a bit more loose.
Getting There
Park at the large paved pullout before Tunnel 2. Walk up the road on the right side and cross the bridge. Then look to your right and locate a small climbers trail heading back dowstream (same as for The New River Wall). Continue on this trail above a treacherous section of cliff and past Twitch Rock. The trail continues up to a flat area, where the faint trail for New River Wall heads right and downstream. Stay on the main trail (left fork), heading up hill. Continue up the trail, with some slabby rock sections for about 400 yds to the top. The trail will put you a little left of a prominent, right-facing dihedral with two bolted lines on it (Peer Pressure (5.12a) and Peer Review (5.12b), and a trad climb in the corner. This is the main division of the wall and represents the landmark for the wall, splitting it into right and left sides. Routes listed will be in reference to this dihedral. Allow 20 minutes for the approach.
Addendum: some may use the optional, riskier Tyrolean.
Perhaps the best line on the West half of Highlander, Leap of Faith starts up the slab about 20 ft right of Tarzan firing off the main roof and a small overlap just below the anchor. This route is really deceptive and just gets more difficult the higher you climb. 5.9, 5.10, 5.12a moves deceive one into believing that the line is finished until you are just about looking at the anchor. Clip the last bolt off very fine finger edges, then, just fiv...[more]
Just want to say thanks to those who envisioned the ideas and then made those ideas a reality for us to share. These routes are well thought out, well constructed and a real blast to climb!!
RATTLESNAKES! FYI - starting seeing and hearing the rattlers, early July, there was one hanging out right below Resume and one near Dirt Me - They are there, but they don't seem to mind climbers much as long as they are left alone.....
This is a sensational climbing area; lots of moderate 5.11s to cut your teeth on, excellent rock. I used to drive to Shelf and Rifle to get more interesting, challenging climbing. Who needs to, the Crags in Clear Creek are varied, interesting and quality, and just a stone’s throw from my doorstep. Thanks to the climbers who put in the hard work, and dedication to make Clear Creek a premier climbing center. At least we owe you guys beers, every one of us! Beers on me if I meet you in the canyon. And thanks to Darren for a great new guide book! You brought “The Creek”, the support and recognition it deserves.
The Highlands aka Highlander
Print a Mini-Guide - Includes Routes!
RSS Feed
