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Cactus Cliff Rock Climbing
| Elevation: | 6,721 ft | 2,049 m |
| GPS: |
38.63117, -105.22141 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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| Page Views: | 363,908 total · 1,195/month | |
| Shared By: | Richard M. Wright on Nov 29, 1999 · Updates | |
| Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Description
Situated directly above the hairpin is one of the most obvious cliff bands at Shelf Road. Cactus Cliff faces South-Southwest, gets great sun, and can be climbed most of the year. The rock is typical of Shelf Road in general and reminds me of The Gallery. Cactus Cliff is home to several fine lines, although the trend in difficulty is a bit less than at The Gymnasium. Development, which has slowed to a tectonic crawl in recent years. However, in the winter months, Shelf Road can be the only option available, short of Mexico, so it is still worth keeping in mind and Cactus Cliff is always worth a mid-winter romp.
Cactus Cliff is now hands down the most well-rounded sport crag in Colorado, including at least one route of every grade from 5.7 to 5.14a.
Getting There
There is a new trail leading to Cactus Cliffs from The Bank. This is now the fastest, most convenient way to approach the area. The trail was built in August by the Rocky Mountain Field Institute with the help of AmeriCorps volunteers and a grant from the Access Fund. It is approximately 1.5 miles long.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK ALONG SHELF ROAD.
For more information contact BLM at 719-269-8500 Thank you for your cooperation.
APPROACH DESCRIPTION: From the new parking area by The Bank Camground, follow the road NW towards The Bank for ~100yds. Pickup the trail on the right side of the road that descends into the canyon. Follow this trail for ~5 minutes, crossing the canyon bottom, and passing below the 2150 Wall, to a terminus at the road that heads up above Cactus Cliff (this road was the former approach to Cactus). Turn left and follow the road uphill towards Cactus. Continue along the road as it banks hard right, passing the new toilet. Where the trail banks left, continue east, passing signage, along a well maintained trail that traverses Cactus Cliff.
Reorganization
We reorganized this 150+ route cliff into subareas to help with finding routes more easily. Obviously, we picked some well-known climbs for dividing the cliff into subareas. While not perfect, at least these division points should be better recognized. If necessary, we can adjust this in the future. Thanks for your understanding.
Classic Climbing Routes at Cactus Cliff
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