16Z is a beautiful and remote crag in the heart of Colorado's West End. The rock is highly featured Navajo Sandstone hosting a variety of crack and sport routes. This area is mostly south-facing, with some nooks and crannies of different aspects to milk. 16Z sits above Big Gypsum Valley in its own hanging valley, so it can be very windy.

Season: Fall through Spring.

This area is the epitome of a beautiful yet fragile desert environment. Minimize your impact here by bringing your own wood, utilizing low impact camping techniques, and sticking to the established trails around the crag. Enjoy one of the most unique climbing areas around.

Check out Fowler and Johnston's "Wild Wild West" for full info. Also can be found in the newest version of the Falcon Guide, "Rock Climbing Colorado."

First, get a map. There are tons of well roads in the area which can make routefinding difficult for the unfamiliar.

There are three ways to get to 16Z.

The easiest route: go to the town of Basin on CO 141 and head West on Road U29. Take it for about 15 miles until it intersects Road 16Z. Turn left and follow the road about 3.8 miles to a pullout/campground on the left. The cliffs are below the campground. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.

The fastest route: from Paradox valley, CO 90, Head south on EE21. There are several obscure intersections so have a good map if you go this route.

Alternate route, good for winter or if already in Big Gypsum Valley: hike up Hamm Canyon and take a left up the gully after the Hamm Canyon Boulder. This is a beautiful hike and a good way to visit 16Z if you've been in the area to climb Psycho Tower.

Getting to the climbs: there are a couple descent gullies just west of the campground. The first has a fixed line and the second is steep but dog-able for the most able bodied 4-leggers.