Jackson Creek Dome  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  3,933. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Steve Marr on Jan 1, 2001 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 61° | 32° 68° | 34° 70° | 37° 73° | 39° 75° | 45°

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Description 

Jackson Creek Dome is another one of those rarely visited Colorado gems. Located south of Sadalia, this 300-foot granite dome is one of the centerpieces of the Jackson Creek group that includes other notable crags such as Devil's Head, Split Rock, and the Taj Mahal. The approach is rather long and follows several rough dirt roads and 4-wheel drive trails, but the reward is incredible friction climbing on immaculate slabs. The climbing at Jackson Creek Dome is characterized by 2-pitch bolted slab routes on the south face and a mix of cracks and slabs on the southeast face of the dome. The routes are generally in the 5.7 to 5.11 range. Most of the bolted routes are well protected with newer 3/8" bolts, but expect some long run outs over easier terrain. The bolts on many of the routes can be supplemented with small cams, TCUs, and Tri-Cams. There's climbing to be had at Jackson Creek year round; however, the access road is usually closed due to snow from November through April. During the summer months, Rampart Range Road and the one lane access road to the dome area are extremely popular with the 4-wheeler and dirt bike crowd, so be careful during your drive in. Typically, you will see them before they bother taking notice of you. The crag is high enough above the road to muffle most of the annoying buzzing sounds.

Getting There 

From the town of Sadalia, head south on Colorado Highway 67 and follow it for about 10 miles to Rampart Range Road (Forest Road 300). Turn south on Rampart Range Road and drive another 14 miles to Forest Road 507 (Jackson Creek Road). This road can be a little difficult to find. Prior to the actual turn-off for Jackson Creek Road, there are a couple of misleading signs for the Jackson Creek and Devil's Head areas, so make sure you look along side the road and spot the Forest Service road markers (FR300 itself continues south to Woodland Park). Follow FR507, a rough, one-lane dirt road (a high-clearance vehicle is nice, but an old beater car would probably make it most of the way) for 4 1/2 miles to where it dead-ends at a washout next to a creek. As you are driving, the dome will be visible on your right hand side as you near the parking area. From the washout, cross the stream and pick up a faint trail that parallels the stream for a while before it turns and begins to head up the steep gravel slope. The top of the trail will deposit you beneath the southeast face. To reach the south face, continue past several climbs on the southeast wall, scramble up a short gully, through a notch, and then scramble down the backside to the south face. An alternate approach to the dome (best used during the winter months when Jackson Creek Road is closed or impassable) is found by taking Colorado Highway 105 south from Sadalia for about 6 miles to the intersection with Douglas County Road 38. County Road 38 becomes Forest Road 307 once you reach Pike National Forest. Follow 38/FR307 for another 7 miles to its intersection with FR502. Park here and hike a couple miles down the road to the trail.

Per Alex A: The directions are WRONG, cannot access from 507, gate is closed,(5/23/09) need to access from 502, come from Jackson Creek campground, drive till you can see the dome, the road makes a right turn, at the turn there's parking.

The Classics

Featured Route For Jackson Creek Dome

Time Out 5.8 R  CO : South Platte : ... : Jackson Creek Dome

Two pitch slab climb with a long easy run out on the first pitch. This climb is located on the South Face. Scramble to a deep chasm, step across to a small ledge and start below the first bolt.P1 - Climb the fun bulging start to the second bolt and stay calm as you run out the last 40-50 feet of the first pitch to the anchor. P2 - Step out right and follow the bolt line to the top. ...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO