The Wasteland

Minko on Thieves.

Description 

This is where it all began. Contrary to guidebook information, the Wasteland's classic Never Believe (12d) was the first sport route in Rifle. The routes here are short for Rifle, generally ending after 50-80 feet. They more than make up for their lack of length, however, with the beauty of the blue-grey stone and the sustained, powerful nature of the climbing. Many of the older routes, especially in the middle of the cave, have become hyper-polished, so don't feel discouraged if a given route (The Beast for example) feels harder than the grade.

Getting There 

Drive into the Canyon, passing the obvious cave of the Arsenal on the left. Park just past the Arsenal; you'll cross a bridge and turn into a large parking area on the left. Landmarks include an in-situ trash dumspter and a port-a-potty, as well as a sign on the left for the Koper Ice Cave Trail.

This parking area is about a mile and a half from the entrance to the canyon, where the road turns to dirt. Cross the road and take the narrow trail through the thick brush to the base of the crag.

Approach time: 15 seconds.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Wasteland

The Beast 5.12d  CO : Rifle Mountain Park : The Wasteland

This venerable classic is many people's first 13a at Rifle, despite the fact that climbers have been bickering over the 12d vs 13a grade for the last decade. Were it in Europe it would be 7c+, which is 13a, so give yourself a pat on the back if you redpoint this slippery beast.This route is just right of Never Believe and climbs directly up the center of the blue-grey panel of water-sculpted rock in the middle of the Wasteland. It ca...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO