The Grotto  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  833. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Dan Mottinger on Sep 15, 2002 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 64° | 39° 72° | 45° 63° | 48° 79° | 50° 82° | 50°

Seasonal Raptor Closures MORE INFO >>> As of March 7, 2012: Shakespearean Theater – restricted March, April, May. Mind Meld – restricted March, April, May. Porky’s Wall – restricted March, April, May, June. Vulture Wall – restricted March, April, May. Morning Sun Wall – restricted March, April, May, June, July. This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Description 

This Castlewood rock section is close to the parking lot but sees very little traffic. The climbs are short to long and are found on the outside walls as well as in the grotto. The boulder which closes off the grotto provides simple up and down access on its SW side.

Getting There 

To find this rock begin at the Southern Entrance to Castlewood Canyon and park at the second parking lot to the right (Juniper Rock). Take the paved trail E to NE until it meets up with the paved trail going along the rim top. You will see a railing overlooking the canyon; leave the trail and meet up with the cliff tops north of this first railing. Follow the rim top N past crevasses and cracks until you see The Grotto, with its large boulder and few toprope bolts. If you go to a second railing overlook, you have gone too far. The Grotto can be tough to find buy once you find it you will nearly be by yourself, even though the paved trail is very close.

Featured Route For The Grotto

Billiam 5.7  CO : Denver South : ... : The Grotto

This climb is on the inside of The Grotto and goes up the thin dihedral on the inner N facing wall. Begin the route by climbing up to the dihedral on the face as well as the small roof. The climb follows the dihedral, offering thin jams and pro opportunities....[more]   Browse More Classics in CO