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GPS: 40.1863, -105.3334
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Shared By: Matt Juth on Apr 17, 2004 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: MM 23-29.5 - now ended daily CO 7 highway closure/delays DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

The Acrophile is one of the largest rocks in the SSV, and it is composed of some of the best rock in the canyon. It is a moderate trad climbers paradise with over 20 crack climbs ascending the southwest face. The routes range from 75 feet to 200 feet in length. The rock gets sun midday until late afternoon. Most routes are worthy of a star or two, with an amazing three star route thrown in. Two 100' rappels or a walkoff to the south are available

The rock's namesake is a wild 5.11 roof pulled via an offwidth. There are a couple other old routes; however, most were climbed recently by B. Gillett and friends.

Getting There Suggest change

The Acrophile sits high on the south side of the canyon just above a large paved pulloff with some picnic tables. It is approximately 7 miles from Lyons. If you reach the upper toilets, turn around and look for the massive rock a mile down canyon.

Access is typical SSV. The river can be crossed slightly upstream during low water with a boulder hop, or waded downstream (6" to 1.5' deep)during higher flows. Once across the river one can hike up the gully to the right until it is possible to cut up the hillside to the rock (brushy and Ivy), or go straight up the buttress through a break in the cliffs above the river (loose). Once on the buttress, some wandering down onto the south slope is needed to avoid cliff bands and boulders.

21 Total Climbs

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Location: The Acrophile Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at The Acrophile

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 8
Black Powder
Trad 3 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13
 4
Yawning Flake
Trad 2 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 5
Lithophyte
Trad
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 4
Yellow Jersey
Trad
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 5
Acrophobia
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Black Powder
 8
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad 3 pitches
Yawning Flake
 4
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13 Trad 2 pitches
Lithophyte
 5
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
Yellow Jersey
 4
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Trad
Acrophobia
 5
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Trad
More Classic Climbs in The Acrophile »

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