Elevation: 5,765 ft
GPS: 39.754, -105.24 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 1,956,397 total · 8,819/month
Shared By: Quinn Stevens on Dec 31, 2000 with updates from Alan Prehmus and 3 others
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac
Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures & Rockfall Mitigation Project Details

Description

Clear Creek Canyon (CCC) is aptly situated along Clear Creek, just west of Golden. The canyon is most well known for its accesible wealth of sport climbs, with some trad climbs interspersed. The rock varies here from gneiss & schist to a sandy granite, relatively solid but much different and perhaps more unique than the gray sweeps of Boulder Canyon.

While the individual areas here tend to be specialized with regard to the route type and difficulty, the canyon as a whole has a variety of ratings. Beginners should look into the High Wire Crag, Catslab - note it is apparently open, Little Eiger, Red Slab, and The Canal Zone while excellent difficult routes abound from the Primo Wall, Wall of the Nineties, Anarchy Wall, The River Wall, and New River formation. Clear Creek also offers some nice winter climbing options such as the Red Slab and the Dog House.

As always, be attentive of the traffic and remove valuables from your car.

Ice Climbing

See CO Ice & Mixed > Clear Creek Canyon - Ice.

Getting There

From Denver, head out on 6th Ave. and exit into Golden. Turn left on US 6 into the canyon. From Boulder, the best way to reach Clear Creek Canyon is to take CO Highway 93 (Broadway) straight south for about 25 minutes into Golden. Then take a right, heading west on US 6 into Clear Creek Canyon. Pullouts can be found along the highway, and most approaches are about 5-10 minutes. Sometimes tyroleans exist but cannot always be trusted.

Ropes

Note, many routes are not descendable with a single rope, be it 45m or 50m or 60m or 70m. Please, carefully lower when not certain of route length. Please!

Guidebooks

There have been at least 4-5 guidebooks including Clear Creek Canyon. Peter Hubbel put out Front Range Crags. Mark Rolofson has put out a 1995 Boulder Sport Climbing Guide, a 1999 Clear Creek Canyon Sport Climber's Guide, a more recent Clear Creek Canyon Sport Climber's Guide, and most recently, Darren Mabe has put out a Clear Creek Canyon guidebook. Most recently, Kevin Capps put out a second edition to his 2014 guidebook in 2017.

Speed Limits/Tickets

FYI, CO State Patrol has been put on notice by their head person due to too many complaints for those who drive US 6 through CCC. So, they have up to 4 patrollers ticketing speeders at a time. The speed limit is 40 mph through the entire canyon!

Tickets for 55 mph cost 4 points and $170.

Camping

There is an RV park near the mouth of the canyon.

Crags (downstream to upstream)

This is a work in progress...finally, eh? Thanks for your patience.

South vs. North is relative to the road.

CO 93 & US 6 intersection

large bridge / parking area

South (across CC) - The Canal Zone | The Twilight Zone
North - Labyrinth
South - East Side of Tunnel 1

Tunnel 1

North - New Hipster Rock
South - The Sports Wall
South - AAA Crag

metal bridge

South - Ghost Crag
North (MM 270) - The Blonde Formation
North (MM 270) - The Stumbling Block | Bumbling Stock
North - Postcolonial Crag | Fault Caves
North - Skinny Legs Formation
?North? (MM 268) - Bouldering (mile marker 268) | 268 Wall

Bridge - ~3.5 miles

North - The Red Slab
South - Piledriver | Rainy Day Rock | Little Eiger | Aftermath
South - The Garden Wall
North - Point Break | The New River Wall | The Highlands aka Highlander | Twitch Rock | Rapids Rock | Highwire North
South - Tetanus Cave | Evil Cave | River Wall
South - Wall of Justice | Low Spark of High Wire Crag | Low Wire | High Wire Crag | Higher Wire | Left Wire

Tunnel 2 - ~4.9 miles

metal tyrolean

South (across CC) - Punk Rock | Irok | Wanna Be Wall | The Mission Wall
South - Flood Wall | Back of the Nineties | Wall of the '90s
North - The Monkey House | Death Rock
South - Capitalist Crag | Upper Capitalist Crag | Lower Capitalist Crag

Tunnel 3 - ~5.1 miles

South - Independence Wall | Anarchy Wall
South (across CC) - Cool Thing Wall (aka Kool Krag) | New Crag
North - Elk Creek
South - Iron Buttress
North - Sex Cave (aka Pete's Wicked Cave) | Shark's Fin
North MM 264 - Rebel Wall
South - The Talon | New Economy Cliff | Bionic Crag
North - Nightworm Pinnacle | Prestige Worldwide Wall | Real Hidden Valley | Upper Wall
North - Prohibition Pinnacle
South - A Little Piece of South Dakota
North (MM 263) - Jerky Boulder (263)
South - High Profile Wall

Mayhem Gulch mountain biking trailhead

Intersection with CO 119

South - The Fiscal Cliff | The Graveyard | The Pearly Gates

Tunnel 5 - ~10.5 miles

South - Cats vs. Dogs Wall | The Catslab | Cat Slab Boulders | Rabbit Hole | The Fish Bowl | Death Valley
North - The Dog House | Other Critters | The Safari | The Oz | Trump Tower | Live Action Wall | Carbage | Stoked Bowl | Creek Side
North - Mourning Glory

tyrolean

South - The Bunker | Sushi Slab

Tunnel 6 ~11.3 miles

tyrolean

North (not across the creek) - Broken Angel | Play Pen | | East Colfax
North across the creek - The Healing Center | The Conspiracy Crag | The Armory | The Crystal Tower | Seeing Squiggles Bloc | The Guppy | Waves Wall | Primo Wall | Nomad's Cave | Breakfast Cliff | Boulders Above Primo
South - Convenience Cliff | Project Wall

Peak-to-Plains Trail project

More info may be obtained from: p2ptrail@publicinfoteam.com. The Plains to Peaks Trail blog can be found here.

Webcams

You may find these webcams helpful for visual peeks at conditions: cotrip.org/roadConditions.htm. Click on the camera icons along US 6.

Possible map

google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=…

Raptor Nest Closures

The updated initial raptor nest anticipated closures for 2016.

The two areas Jefferson County Open Space intends to close in Clear Creek Canyon, shown on the attached maps, encompass the active eagle nests. If the Clear Creek eagles continue to nest in the active nests, these areas will remain closed from February 1 through July 31. If the eagles choose different nesting sites, the closures will be adjusted accordingly to protect those eagles during their breeding season.

Currently, rock climbing areas that fall inside of the seasonal raptor closures include:

Blonde Formation
Bumbling Stock
Evil Area
Ghost Crag
Highlander
Merlin
New River Wall
Point Break
Rapids Rock
Skinny Legs
Stumbling Block
Tetanus Garden.

1,091 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Clear Creek Canyon Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Clear Creek Canyon

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 661
● Playin' Hooky
Sport 4 pitches
Creek Side
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 205
● Guppy
Sport
Creek Side
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 383
● Curvaceous
Sport
Wall of the '90s
5.11b/c 6c+ 23 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 358
● Walking With A Ghost
Sport
Canal Zone
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 135
● Skippin' Stones
Sport
Crystal Tower
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 279
● Wet Dream
Sport
Wall of the '90s
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 85
● Solid Gold
Trad, Sport 5 pitches
Creek Side
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 145
● Slammer
Sport
Wall of Justice
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 89
● Peer Review
Sport
Highlands aka Highlander
5.12b/c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 177
● The Great Escape
Sport
Wall of Justice
5.12b/c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 165
● Fission aka Ken T'ank
Sport
Armory
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 263
● Ten-Digit Dialing
Sport
Wall of the '90s
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 121
● Sucking My Will to Live
Sport
Primo Wall
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 111
● Anarchitect
Sport
Anarchy Wall
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c
 89
● Sonic Youth
Sport
New River Wall
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Playin' Hooky Creek Side
 661
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport 4 pitches
● Guppy Creek Side
 205
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
● Curvaceous Wall of the '90s
 383
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Sport
● Walking With A Ghost Canal Zone
 358
5.11b/c 6c+ 23 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
● Skippin' Stones Crystal Tower
 135
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
● Wet Dream Wall of the '90s
 279
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
● Solid Gold Creek Side
 85
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Trad, Sport 5 pitches
● Slammer Wall of Justice
 145
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport
● Peer Review Highlands aka Highlander
 89
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport
● The Great Escape Wall of Justice
 177
5.12b/c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
● Fission aka Ken T'ank Armory
 165
5.12b/c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
● Ten-Digit Dialing Wall of the '90s
 263
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
● Sucking My Will to Live Primo Wall
 121
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
● Anarchitect Anarchy Wall
 111
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
● Sonic Youth New River Wall
 89
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c Sport
More Classic Climbs in Clear Creek Canyon »

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
 Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Add New Photo
Photo Photo (copy)
Photos

Brandon Patterson on "The Desiderata", March 2007.<br> <br> Photo by Adam Peters.
Brandon Patterson on "The Desiderata", March 20…
 20
Crack a Beer, at the Bumbling Stock.
Crack a Beer, at the Bumbling Stock.
 15
Jason Baker squeezing and pulling to gain the final exit (crux) moves on "Stanley Kubrick (V11)." <br> <br> Spotter: Tom.<br> <br> Photo by: Luke Childers.
Jason Baker squeezing and pulling to gain the f…
 13
Jamie G. doing his thing on the NEW Super Mario, 12+, near Catslab.
Jamie G. doing his thing on the NEW Super Mario…
 8
Adam Peters on "The Desiderata", March 2007.<br> <br> Photo by Darren Mabe.
Adam Peters on "The Desiderata", March 2007.…
 5
Jason Baker working one of his beautiful new project at a new wall in C.C.C.
Jason Baker working one of his beautiful new pr…
 4
Mazzi Childers on her new favorite climb, "First Impressions-(5.9+)." The Little Eiger. Clear Creek Canyon, Colorado.
Mazzi Childers on her new favorite climb, "Firs…
 3
Evening view of Clear Creek Canyon from Beaverbrook Trail.
Evening view of Clear Creek Canyon from Beaverb…
 5
New offwidth went up in the creek.
New offwidth went up in the creek.
 2
Luke Childers getting the on-sight of "Smoke On The Water" at the "Fire In The Sky Boulder" across the road and creek side in relation to "The little Eiger" in Clear Creek Canyon, Co.
Luke Childers getting the on-sight of "Smoke On…
 2
The 2nd Edition to the Clear Creek Canyon guidebook by Kevin Capps is now on the shelves. Find it at most gear shops or online at https://www.fixedpin.com/products/rock-climbing-clear-creek-canyon.
The 2nd Edition to the Clear Creek Canyon guide…
 2
A slide shed in New Zealand used to mitigate rockfall.
A slide shed in New Zealand used to mitigate ro…
 1

91 Comments

Sort by: Oldest
Newest Oldest Best Beta
Charles Vernon
mind & body in Colorado, he…
Charles Vernon   mind & body in Colorado, he…
Not that anyone really cares, but the rock in this Canyon is not granite at all but metamorphic schist and gneiss (similar to the rock on Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park). Makes for good face climbing...though I never thought of metamorphic rock as being so pocketed ;) Sep 5, 2001
Leo Paik
Westminster, Colorado
Leo Paik   Westminster, Colorado  
Y'all probably have seen this but in case you missed it, The Denver Post reports on p 3C, Clear Creek Canyon will be closed for 3 weeks 9/13/4 for work on 3 bridges & rock-fall mitigation for 11 miles from CO Hwy 93 to CO Hwy 119. Climbing access will be affected. Sep 5, 2004
Anonymous Coward
Anonymous Coward  
On the east side of Tunnel 2, right off the highway there are a few routes that go to a ledge where there are several other routes. One of these routes is a dihedral (I think. It is right in a corner, with a 'roof') its a short pitch, with only 4 bolts, and looks right over the highway. Does anybody know what this is called, or what it is rated? Apr 4, 2005
ac
ac  
Road is now open up until about a mile and a half from the rock slide so that kayakers, climbers and hikers can enjoy the canyon. Jun 27, 2005
Doug Redosh
Golden, CO
Doug Redosh   Golden, CO
As of 3 days ago, cars were allowed up the canyon, but not bikes (too dangerous the CDOT workers claimed)!!!! Jul 1, 2005
Anonymous Coward
Anonymous Coward  
Bicycles are not allowed in the canyon, even when it is 'open'. Jul 5, 2005
Bill Ballace
Pullman,WA
Bill Ballace   Pullman,WA
Look, people, the Wall of Justice IS NOT the toilet area for Highwire Crag! I visited it yesterday and was disgusted by the abundance of human feces, toilet paper, etc. in the vicinity. If you have to go, go somewhere else. If you see someone headed over there to crap there, remind them that the Wall of Justice and the surrounding area are not the shitter. Aug 29, 2006
Armin climber
Westminster, CO
Armin climber   Westminster, CO
Anybody have any idea when the new guide is supposed to be out?
-ag Sep 22, 2006
Casey Bernal
Wheat Ridge, CO
Casey Bernal   Wheat Ridge, CO
Darren Mabe's new guide is basically finished and is in the editing stages. It should be out by the end of 2006, maybe November.

casey Sep 22, 2006
Jess
Jess  
I've been climbing in Clear Creek Canyon for many years now and enjoy many aspects of it. Usually people are very friendly, the climbing is good and the convenience is great. Lately I've been hanging out at the Wall of Justice working on "The Great Escape" which is a super fun route. About 10 days ago I was there and put some draws on the route. After finishing our session, I decided to take the bottom three draws but leave the top three for future projecting. Didn't think that this would be an issue. Well, I was wrong and now very disappointed in our fellow climbers. Today, when I went back to climb the route my draws were gone. What is wrong with people? What ever happened to, "if it's not yours, don't touch it"? Last year, we had draws on the entire route of the "Great Escape" and the bottom three were stolen and then a week later all draws were stolen off "Anarchitect". This is absurd and unacceptable. Why would someone do this? If your reading this, "THIEF", quit stealing other peoples stuff, and I hope your not hurt too badly when karma bites you in the ass. Sep 26, 2006
M. Morley
Sacramento, CA
M. Morley   Sacramento, CA  
Jess, sorry to hear about the stolen draws. I found several other similar incidents reported on the site within the past 5 years:

?Oct 4, 2001? - Eldorado Canyon / Monument Direct
Oct 20, 2002 - Boulder Canyon / Castle Rock / Aid Roof
Apr 19, 2004 - Clear Creek Canyon / Wall of Justice / Slammer
?May 18, 2004? - Clear Creek Canyon / Anarchy Wall / Matriarch
Oct 19, 2004 - Boulder Canyon / Eagle Rock / Eagle Warrior
Apr 4, 2006 - Castlewood Canyon / Rim Job
Jun 1, 2006 - Eldorado Canyon / Supremacy Rock / The Web
Jun 29, 2006 - Keystone / House Rock / Crystal Ball

Perhaps, it's just better to remove your draws in high-traffic and/or high-visibility areas. Sep 26, 2006
Jess
Jess  
Thanks for your support, Mike. My question is, why doesn't this happen in Rifle, also a very high traffic area? Does the thieving have something to do with wanting to put their own draws on the route while climbing it? Or thinking that it's lame to have draws on a Clear Creek 5.12? Or is it just plain stealing? I guess it's said and done, and we'll probably never know who the thief is unless they have balls big enough to speak up. Another lesson learned the hard way. Sep 26, 2006
Chris Cavallaro
Chris Cavallaro  
Chris,
You would take the draws too? Are you calling yourself a thief then? I'm pretty sure you just announced to everyone that you are.
Attention Colorado Climbers: Never climb with or around this guy! Sep 28, 2006
Jess
Jess  
Chris S.,
First, I'm not a fella, I'm a lady, and second, Nixon was a crook! It's pretty disturbing to have personal belongings stolen and this is not the first time. I try to have trust in my fellow climbers and people in general. I suppose that coming from the East your perspective on trusting others is very different. I'm surprised that you're surprised at how angry I was. (I've cooled down a bit now.) If you go to Anarchy Wall in CCC and look at a comment from 2004 regarding stolen draws, you'll realize that I actually kept my cool pretty good. Like I said, I learned the hard way. I definitely will not leave draws around anymore knowing that many people out there think it's OK to take anything left on the rock but chalk!
Jessica Sep 28, 2006
Darren Mabe
Flagstaff, AZ
Darren Mabe   Flagstaff, AZ
Jess, sorry to hear that your project draws were stolen. Fixed draws shouldn't be considered booty. If you want, you can have my draws I have hanging on The Gauntlet on the Armory, or there are also a few of mine on Hot Rocks on Crystal Tower. I have not had a chance to go up there and take them down, but you can have them if you want, and if they are still up there. However, leave the top biners on the chains of the Gauntlet. I don't know what condition the draws are in, as they have been up there since March, I think.
darren Sep 29, 2006
Jess
Jess  
Hi Darren,
Thanks a lot for your offer and generosity. I have a decent stash of draws, so I'll be set for a little while. Thanks again though! My project is almost completed at The Wall Of Justice.
Later,
Jess Sep 29, 2006
Chris Cavallaro
Chris Cavallaro  
Darren,
I fear that your generosity is now going to cause many other climbers to rush for that gear and claim if for themselves. I would be surprised if that has not happened already. What a bummer as these should be considered yours or for someone deserving (like Jess). Oct 2, 2006
BZD
BZD  
I just recently had my draws stolen off Ten Digit Dialing, like in the past 4 or 5 days. Does anyone know anything that could help me get them back? I really need them. I won't be pissed off. I just want them back. Thanks. Oct 2, 2006
Darren Mabe
Flagstaff, AZ
Darren Mabe   Flagstaff, AZ
PHOTOS WANTED for NEW GUIDEBOOK!

As Sharp End Publishing is closing in on finishing my new Clear Creek Canyon guidebook, they could still use a few more climbing action photos to supplement the ones I shot.

If you have any rad photos you would like to see in the new guide, get in touch with me. The guide will be full color. Decent resolution makes files too big for email, so I would rather want them burned onto CD.

I would also need to know the names of the routes, climbers, as well as the photographers.

Can reach me at darrenmabe@yahoo.com for more details.

thank you!
Darren Mabe Dec 8, 2006
John McNamee
Littleton, CO
John McNamee   Littleton, CO  
Darren,

Any news on the guidebook availability yet? I don't see anything on the publisher's site yet.

Cheers,

John Apr 11, 2007
Darren Mabe
Flagstaff, AZ
Darren Mabe   Flagstaff, AZ
John.
Thanks for your interest! I am anticipating for my book to be on the shelves in May. Keep fingers crossed! The folks at Sharpend are doing a kick ass job with the layout, graphics, etc.

Trust me, it will be well worth the wait!

-Darren Mabe Apr 12, 2007
Jeff Welch
Denver, CO
Jeff Welch   Denver, CO
Darren,

How's that guide coming? The samples I saw in Bent Gate look amazing... Jul 1, 2007
Nate Oakes
Nate Oakes  
We encountered a rattlesnake on the approach to Wall of the 90s yesterday. I had never heard of any rattlesnakes in CCC before. Be careful! Jul 2, 2007
CalebSimpson
CalebSimpson  
Is Cat Slab closed or not? Access Fund website doesn't say that it is, but RC.com and this site indicate that it is (or might be). Anybody know for sure? I'm trying to plan a trip (coming up from Texas). And need an are with moderates, preferably stuff 5.7 and below, because the guy I am going with is not very experienced. Jul 9, 2007
Buff Johnson
Buff Johnson  
Caleb - Yes, access/trespassing is prohibited there currently by private property owner. Highwire & some others will offer you some moderates; Creekside is a fun crag, plus you won't get charged for a technical rescue there should something happen & you get a fun tyrol. Jul 20, 2007
ErinC
ErinC  
Does anyone know what the route on the south side of the highway just past mile marker 270 and Tunnel 1 is called, and what grade it is? It seems to be about 30 feet long and very overhung, and the approach looks to be by crossing a permanent bridge. Oct 8, 2007
Kyle P.
Lander, WY
Kyle P.   Lander, WY
I'm looking for information on Belleview Mountain on the West side of Idaho Springs. On the right side of Fall River Road exit off 70W there are some large walls that seem untouched. I'm wondering if anyone has claimed first ascents there, if it's public land, or if anyone has any idea what I'm talking about. Nov 25, 2007
Darren Mabe
Flagstaff, AZ
Darren Mabe   Flagstaff, AZ
"Clear Creek Canyon Rock Climbs" is released.

Books are on their way to the stores, for now there is a shop copy at Bent Gate and also at Neptune's.

-darren Feb 6, 2008
John McNamee
Littleton, CO
John McNamee   Littleton, CO  
This is what the cover of Darren's new guide looks like:

"Clear Creek Canyon Rock Climbs"
Feb 10, 2008
Fred Knapp
Fred Knapp  
You can check out sample pages of the book atsharpendbooks.com. The books are here and in local shops! Feb 10, 2008
Cheyne Lempe
Denver, CO
Cheyne Lempe   Denver, CO
Can anyone tell me what wall is directly across the river from High Wire Crag?
It's slabby with hanging belays at the bottom.
Thanks! Jun 2, 2008
Mike Baetz
Mike Baetz  
I noticed a "for sale" sign on the property upon which Catslab lies... anyone have details? Too expensive for some Access Fund intervention? Jun 22, 2008
Mike McKinnon
Golden, CO
Mike McKinnon   Golden, CO
River Wall is the wall directly across from Highwire. Jul 3, 2008
cbarker
cbarker  
Hey if anyone found a camera between High Wire and Wall of Justice, and are honest, could you please let me know. I misplaced it somehow and it has pictures of my little boy on it. Thanks for the help. Jul 11, 2008
doug rouse
Denver, CO.
doug rouse   Denver, CO.
Greetings, as of 7/20, there are still draws on the Gauntlet..I don't know if they are Darren's; however, we did not see a rush out to clean them off.... Anyway, I hope no one minds if others use draws left on a "project"..in actuality it makes it more attractive to try something that may be more difficult for someone if they don't have to worry about leaving their own gear on a pitch. I will further add that CCC has been a real Godsend for those of us from the Denver area who don't want to climb further North where lately there has been a lot of attitude. I say this not to bash Boulderites, but the last time my friends and I climbed in Eldo we were subjected to what amounted to some serious chest thumping...i.e. while waiting in line to do the first pitch of Rewritten, some boneheads cut in front of us and got on the first pitch of Great Zot...way we were going to take...now in their big rush to get on, they crossed the parties line whom we were waiting on.... We fully offered to kick their asses, but they seemed to ignore us? I ramble and apologize, but I really don't see any other way to get through to some people....Young Doug. Aug 1, 2008
doug rouse
Denver, CO.
doug rouse   Denver, CO.
Yeah..Not yet!, It looks like a grunt! Perhaps I should have stated we observed them in passing. Awesome photos in your guidebook, I really like that format. We have yet to encounter any difficulty in finding any route in the Canyon. Peace Young Doug.... Aug 1, 2008
Tim Kline
Littleton, co
Tim Kline   Littleton, co
I've heard from a couple of my climbing buddies that a new crag has been bolted somewhere down before tunnel 1, evidently Jeffco put a bridge in across the creek as well... I'm looking for some info on this, I haven't purchased Darren's book yet (probably getting it tonight or tomorrow), but if anybody has any info on this new crag I'd appreciate it!!

Thank

Tim Aug 7, 2008
Legs Magillicutty
Durango
Legs Magillicutty   Durango
Here is the area you are looking for:

mountainproject.com/v/color…

It's fantastic. Aug 7, 2008
doug rouse
Denver, CO.
doug rouse   Denver, CO.
Yep. It's "The Canal Zone", and has some really nice stone, and some very good lines. Young Doug. Aug 8, 2008
Jack Crockett
Jack Crockett  
I lost my shows on High Wire this Monday. They are black and white Evolvs size ten and a half. If anyone knows anything, let me know.

taktent@yahoo.com Sep 19, 2008
Versaceking
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Versaceking   Colorado Springs, Colorado
What I'm wondering is if an one would be able to guide me on how to get to ECHALE. I know that it is on MM268 but have yet to find it.

Thanks May 8, 2009
YDPL8S
Santa Monica, Ca.
YDPL8S   Santa Monica, Ca.
I was trying to find information on a route in CCC that an old friend of mine (John Rosholt) did the FA of in the late 70's or early 80's. All I remember of it was that he said that it was directly above the East side of either tunnel 1 or tunnel 2 and that it was pretty stiff and pretty steep. I think if I saw a picture of it I would recognize it, he showed me pictures at the time.

Also, is it possible to post a map that shows location of crags relative to tunnels and distance up the canyon? Jun 17, 2009
Darren Mabe
Flagstaff, AZ
Darren Mabe   Flagstaff, AZ
There is a map in the guidebook that has what you are looking for.... Jun 17, 2009
JOhn CAmeron
DENVER!!!
JOhn CAmeron   DENVER!!!
I FOUND A GUIDEBOOK AT HIGH WIRE ON FRIDAY (7.3.09). if it is yours shoot me an email (jcaberglund@gmail.com) and tell me the distinguishing qualities it has, so I can get it to the right person.

Also: in the forementioned guidebook, there is a reference to the 'Maverick Boulders' does anyone know their location/ grades/ # of problems?
Jul 5, 2009
Luke Childers
Luke Childers  
I replaced the last bolt on Twitch about one day ago and found out upon inspection on said bolt that I would really like to replace all of the lines bolts... and with out doubt replace the bolt that bares the brunt of all the big falls from the crux of the line the most.

The bolt that I 1st checked out was so rusted and worn I had to beat it lose with a wrench and my wall hammer!!!! Rust fell out of the hole, people!!! Scary!!!!!

If the community would not mind, especially Pete... if you're out there, I would like to re-bolt the whole line. All bolts would be located in the same place as the old ones and holes patched. I would replace the existing bolts with 3/8 inch 3 inch stainless steel bolts and hangers. They will be bomber folks.

I believe such an old C.C.C. classic such as "Twitch" needs this kind of attention!! Because as of now.... the bolts on this line have become, large in part, scary!!! I also think the anchors need an update as well!!!

If there are any real objections, and I mean real objections!!!... to my proposal to re-bolt please speak up now!!! I want to re-bolt A.S.A.P., so please speak your peace soon, please.

I would really like Pete as well as the community to be fully behind my re-bolting of this classic line. Thanks to all that respond.

-Luke Childers Jan 7, 2010
Doug Redosh
Golden, CO
Doug Redosh   Golden, CO
WARNING: The cops are out in force in CCC. I got a $170/4 point speeding ticket doing 55 mph (the speed limit is 40 mph which seems awfully slow). The cop told us that there are 4 state patrollers there every day, due to complaints about speeders. May 19, 2010
smallakin
Fort Collins, CO
smallakin   Fort Collins, CO
Anybody know the closest camping area to Clear Creek? May 27, 2010
Casey Bernal
Wheat Ridge, CO
Casey Bernal   Wheat Ridge, CO
Camping: Clear Creek RV Park

. . . then you could walk up to The Canal Zone. May 27, 2010
Rock Noggin
Rock Noggin  
Does anyone know if Catslab is open to climbing yet? Legally, that is? May 28, 2010
Luke Childers
Luke Childers  
Yes...the Cat Slab in open and ready for action. Have fun! Great lines at this wall. Dec 22, 2010
kevin murphy
Longtuckity, CO
kevin murphy   Longtuckity, CO
Do any of the cliffs receive sun this time of year? If so times, please.

Thank you in advance. Jan 6, 2011
Monty
Golden, CO
Monty   Golden, CO  
A few do, Kevin.
  • Highlander gets sun all day - but can be windy.
  • Dog House gets sun from say 10 am til 3 pm?
  • Primo Wall/ Crystal Tower get sun from 10:30-2ish.
  • The "Binge side" of Creekside gets sun around the same as primo (but can be harder to get to if there is not an ice bridge).
  • Convenience Cliff gets sun most of the day... I think.
  • Also Sports Wall gets sun most of the day, say 11 am til dusk.
  • If you're looking for a hard project, Stuffed Wolf (13b) at the Higher Profile Wall gets sun in the late afternoon. This is a great time to go over there as a ice bridge normally forms for easy access.

Hope that helped. Jan 6, 2011
kevin murphy
Longtuckity, CO
kevin murphy   Longtuckity, CO
Thanks for the info. Jan 7, 2011
dweiche
dweiche  
My husband and I are planning a 2 month climbing trip for the summer and are considering adding Clear Creek to the list of destinations. Can someone please provide me with the 411 on the area....
How is the crowd in the summer?
Is the park dog friendly? Are the hikes dangerous for the dogs?
Is there a park fee? May 30, 2011
Keith H. North
Englewood, CO
Keith H. North   Englewood, CO
Clear Creek Canyon is not a state park, and there is no fee to climb there. Jefferson County manages the space, I believe.

Crowds: Weekends SUCK, not going to lie. Weekdays you will be fine.
Dogs: Be respectful of the other climbers. Keep them on a leash.
Hike: There are a couple Tyrols that would probably suck for a dog, but the rest are just fine. May 30, 2011
Mikekd
CA
Mikekd   CA
Lost a jacket at Highland (gray, light wind-breaker, size M) Wednesday May 25th. Anyone happen to find it? I would greatly appreciate it if I could get it back. Climbing Karma will follow Jun 3, 2011
chipacles
chipacles  
To whoever stole my draws off Free Enterprise at Capitalist Crag:

What is wrong with you? Seriously? Stealing someone's project draws? Really? I mean, stealing is bad enough, but stealing within our community of climbers who leave stuff up, in good faith, for anyone to use? Are you that poor? Or are you just that big a dick?

You deserve the absolute worst in life. I hope you get it. Jun 19, 2011
Chip Loomis
Chip Loomis  
Is Catslab still considered "closed"??? Mar 29, 2012
Steffen
Steffen  
A friend and I are heading to the canyon for the first time and would like to obtain some beta on the area.

- What is the best guidebook for sport climbing?

- Where should we camp (preferably free & in the canyon)?

- Favorite routes in the 5.9 - 5.11 range?

Thanks. Jul 22, 2012
kipp.fo
Los Angeles, CA
kipp.fo   Los Angeles, CA
LOST 7/25 black iPhone and black wallet. Please message me here or email kifollert@gmail.com. REWARD. Thanks. Jul 25, 2012
Jay Swamidass
Anchorage, AK
Jay Swamidass   Anchorage, AK
I found a pair of climbing shoes at Wall of Justice this Sunday. If you think they are yours, contact me with the make and size and I'll get them back to you ASAP. Oct 15, 2012
NickMartel
Tucson, Arizona
NickMartel   Tucson, Arizona
Found belay device Easter Sunday, 2013. Describe it and where you left it, and I will get it back to you... otherwise, BOOTY!!! Apr 1, 2013
Rob Davies UK
Cheshire, UK
Rob Davies UK   Cheshire, UK
Sorry to nitpick, but I can't help it: "more unique" - q.v. Description - is bad English. Oct 16, 2013
Andy Donson
Andy Donson  
Uniquer. Oct 16, 2013
Marty Wells
Fort Collins, CO
Marty Wells   Fort Collins, CO
Has the CCC been affected at all by the recent floods? Oct 21, 2013
Richard M. Wright
Lakewood, CO
Richard M. Wright   Lakewood, CO
Marty, Click Colorado, scroll to comments. Oct 21, 2013
B. Smith
Denver, CO
B. Smith   Denver, CO
Does anyone know who manages the land in clear Creek Canyon. I am looking for information on guiding small groups. Thank you. Feb 12, 2014
Darren Mabe
Flagstaff, AZ
Darren Mabe   Flagstaff, AZ
^ B Smith, it is Jefferson County and Clear Creek County Open Space. JeffCo calls their part Clear Creek Canyon Park. Here is link to management plan, though no specifics on guiding.
jeffco.us/parks/recreation/… Feb 13, 2014
Mike Morin
Glen, NH
Mike Morin   Glen, NH
Hey B, if you are guiding in the JeffCo portion of the canyon you need to obtain a commercial use permit. I used to administer the program but no longer do. You should call the main office at 303-271-5925 and ask for Kathy DeWeese. Feb 14, 2014
Public Info Team
Public Info Team  
Hello, everyone.

The Peaks to Plains Trail construction team would like to alert all climbers to rockfall mitigation happening over the next 2-3 months near the Oxbow Parcel in Clear Creek Canyon (please see attached map for more specific locations and impacts). All mitigation work will be taking place in areas already designated as construction zones, but crews would like to remind climbers that these areas remain off limits for safety concerns. Mitigation work may wrap up sooner than expected depending on weather and scheduling. Please direct any questions or concerns to p2ptrail@publicinfoteam.com.

Thank you,
Peaks to Plains Trail Project Public Info Team
A map outlining impacted climbing areas.
Mar 24, 2014
Allen Chaney
Greenville, SC
Allen Chaney   Greenville, SC
Hey, does anyone know what the routes are just below the right side of High Wire? If you cross the bridge and took the trail heading towards Twitch/New River Wall, the routes I'm talking about would be above the trail on a steep(ish) wall with a tree growing near the wall. The two steepest routes had draws hanging and looked pretty awesome.

Thanks! May 12, 2014
Kevin Capps
Golden, CO
Kevin Capps   Golden, CO
Hey Allen, one is Twitch and the other is a project just right of that, is that what you're referring to? Send me a message and I'll give you some more info. May 12, 2014
Kevin Capps
Golden, CO
Kevin Capps   Golden, CO
New CCC guidebook.


The new Clear Creek Canyon guidebook is here! Purchase at these links denvermountainguiding.com/M… and fixedpin.com Aug 3, 2014
Kons Kourbatov
Aurora, CO
Kons Kourbatov   Aurora, CO
Hey guys, who do I contact about donating some gear for tyrols or fixed lines like at Wall of Justice? A friend of mine had to cut his stuck rope, so I got 3 chunks of rope to donate 13m, 15m, and 42m of 9.8 dynamic rope. Not sure if they will be helpful, but I'm trying to put them to good use and give them to someone or help someone replace the tyrols or fixed lines. Someone shoot me a message or email me at khalonkin@gmail.com. Trying to put those chunks of rope to good use. Jun 30, 2015
Judith Brown
Little Rock, AR
Judith Brown   Little Rock, AR
I'm about to climb in Clear Creek for a few days. I'd like to car camp in the area. Are there any better options than the RV park? Thanks! Jul 26, 2015
Kev V
The mitten
Kev V   The mitten
Any reason there's no info on the Live Action Wall? The guidebook has a handful of routes - just wondering if there has been any more development beyond those listed there. Feb 17, 2016
Jay Eggleston
Denver
Jay Eggleston   Denver
No one has posted "Live Action Wall" yet is all. Feb 17, 2016
Kate Haring
Kate Haring  
I will be bringing 11 gals on a university trip this fall. What are the best campsites that are close and will accommodate to our group size? Aug 31, 2016
Kenny Danngg
Kenny Danngg  
Hey!
Did someone lose a guidebook this past Sunday? I'm going to guess they left it on top of their car and drove off, b/c it was found on the road getting trampled on by cars. Anyways, text me, and you might get it back. Let me know where you might have been climbing and around what time. I can eliminate those who are just trying to get a free book. FYI, there were some damage done on the book due to cars. 714-three Six Nine-5662, Kenny Sep 14, 2016
Garrett Garner-Wells
Denver, CO
Garrett Garner-Wells   Denver, CO
I found a cell phone yesterday afternoon at the Low Wire crag. Message me with a description if it's yours! Jan 12, 2017
Fred Knapp
Fred Knapp  
Sharp End Publishing has recently released a new Denver Climbing Guide that includes comprehensive coverage of Clear Creek Canyon, North Table Mountain, Coal Creek Canyon (the legal climbs), and Castlewood Canyon. It has many more routes than even the latest Clear Creek book.

If you own Darren Mabe's Clear Creek Canyon Climbs, you can upgrade to the new book for only $24 (including tax and shipping) by sending in a proof-of-purchsase. See below for more info:

sharpendbooks.homestead.com…
Denver Climbing Guide.
Jan 25, 2017
two chains
Fucken Zion
two chains   Fucken Zion
New Denver Book is wack. Lacks FA info, routes on walls, durability, and hard to read topos.... Do the writers even climb anymore? Or do they just find routes on MP & "make a book"?

I'd wait for the 2nd edition Clear Creek Bible. Jan 29, 2017
Dave Meyers
Evergreen, CO
Dave Meyers   Evergreen, CO
I think the new book is great. I like the no nonsense, concentrated format that gives you the info you need using icons instead of route descriptions and essays which makes it smaller and more packable. With that, this book has the same (actually more) amount of beta it would take 3 different books costing about $100 prior to its release.
I subscribe. Feb 7, 2017
Cole McCullough
Fort Collins, CO
Cole McCullough   Fort Collins, CO
Found a set of 6 Petzl Dejinn quickdraws marked with gear tape while I was leaving Highlander before it closed for the birds (around the beginning of Feb. end of Jan.). Don't worry, they are in a safe warm place now, awaiting their return. Feb 26, 2017
JoshuaRichardson
JoshuaRichardson  
Hey all, lost a Galaxy S4 phone on 4/3/2014 somewhere at the main Canal Zone parking, the crag and area right after tunnel 3, or the parking and approach for the Crystal Tower. If found, shoot me a message. Apr 4, 2017
Kurt G.
Reading, PA
Kurt G.   Reading, PA
I'll be coming from PA and wanted to know if anyone has any info on 2017 raptor closures? I'll be there on June 5th. May 24, 2017
Echo Zoyiopoulos
Echo Zoyiopoulos  
Hi everybody,
Looking for a good area for some to toproping, somewhere we can hike up and use established bolts. Are there any spots like this in Clear Creek?
Thanks so much! Oct 14, 2017
Darren Mabe
Flagstaff, AZ
Darren Mabe   Flagstaff, AZ
^Echo, Lookout Mountain Crag has a few. Other than that, not much for easily accessible topropes. I suppose you could set a few shorties from the Queen City Slab ledge at Highwire. I know of plenty not-so-straightforward ones, but I would not recommend them due to risk to climbers below. Oct 14, 2017
Leo Paik
Westminster, Colorado
Leo Paik   Westminster, Colorado  
According to the local Channel 31 news, US 6 will be closed to CO 119 on weekdays into April for rock scaling. Feb 20, 2018
James Hare
James Hare  
US 6 closure schedule:

codot.gov/projects/us-6-cle… Mar 13, 2018
Leo Paik
Westminster, Colorado
Leo Paik   Westminster, Colorado  
Per JeffCo Open Space:

Upcoming Seasonal Closures

It's that time of year again where raptors and other sensitive species nest in cliff habitats. As such, JCOS will be enacting the same seasonal closures as the past few years. Climbing areas affected will be:

Clear Creek Canyon February 1st to July 31st:
Tunnel 2 area:
Highlander
Tetanus Garden
Evil Wall

Area of mile marker 270:
Stumbling Block
Bumbling Stock
Skinny Legs
Ghost Crag
Blonde Formation
Fault Caves Feb 1, 2019 · Temporary Report