This is the description for all the one-two pitch routes along the Monument Trail leading to Independence Monument. There are some nice moderate (5.8-9) trad routes here, as well as some more difficult face climbs (sport), and even some multi-pitch hand cracks. They are nice routes to finish up a day after climbing the monument.
Getting There
First Area: As the Monument Trail leaves the fence and starts following the creek bed up the canyon, many one-pitch lines will come into view on the right side of the canyon. Look for a prominent right-facing dihedral and 40ft to its right, a left-facing dihedral. In between these routes are several bolted climbs. All have fixed rap anchors.
Second Area: Around the first bend, up the hill and past the first area, look again to the right side for some obvious cracks. Here you'll find an attempted aid line with a fixed pin 10ft. off the deck. Another route starts 10ft. left of the aid route, which is finger/offwidth for 80ft.
Third Area: In the last recess of the canyon before you turn the corner and Ind. Mon. comes into view, look for a tall pillar against the back wall of the canyon. A two (maybe three) pitch nice hand crack goes up the left side of the pillar to fixed anchors at each belay.
Access this stellar route via the Lower Independece Monument trail. The route is located 400 yards up trail from Monolith Spire and 1/4 mile before Independence Monument. Look right for the beautiful Lighning Bolt splitter 2 pitches up with a left angling 4th class ramp leading to it. Approach via drainage after trail passes inbetween two large boulders. This route is south-facing and very sunny.P1. Crux Pitch. Locate a beautiful left facing wing...[more]
Monument Canyon
Print a Mini-Guide - Includes Routes!
RSS Feed
