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The Watchtower Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Watchtower

	Business Loop S 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c PG13
	Highway Robbery S 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
	Watchtower Corner, The T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	West Face AKA Cold Feelings T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R

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Elevation:	7,365 ft
GPS:	40.1709, -105.4136 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	7,547 total · 28/month
Shared By:	Richard M. Wright on Dec 31, 2000 · Updates
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

Access Issue: MM 23-29.5 - now ended daily CO 7 highway closure/delays Details

Per Kai Bouwman: the daily CO 7 highway closure/delay access issue is no longer a problem according to CDOT the construction finished as of Nov. 11, 2022.

From CDOT: Colorado Highway 7 is closed daily from MP 23-29.5. Motorists can only travel through the area between 6-8 am and 4-7 pm. During these timeframes, pilot cars will lead alternating one-way travel. Drivers should plan for delays, and this schedule will remain in place through Memorial Day 2022.

During the closure, motorists need to take US 36 to CO 7.

codot.gov/projects/co7-lyon…

Description

The Watchtower is a large imposing tooth-like formation with North-West exposure. As of the present, April 2001, this formation appears to be closed to climbing having been purchased by a private party a year ago. The Watchtower does hold a few routes including an excellent 2 pitch sport route called Highway Robbery (5.12b). The rock is overall very good, although not the cleanest in the canyon. Climbing on the large North face is largely on fine sharp edges, while the trad corner contains a decent crack system.

Getting There

From the intersection in Lyons, head up the SSV canyon along highway 7 for 10.4 miles. The Watchtower is across the river, and a private bridge can (in principle) take you across. The approach is trivial, and parking is near by. Presently, it is advisable to get permission from the land owner to climb here.