Cafe Belay - New Climber Cafe by Shelf Road (Cañon City)

Hey everyone!  Just wanted to let y'all know I just opened a climber cafe called Cafe Belay in Cañon City, CO (by Shelf Road - 1,200+ routes on bomber high desert limestone cliffs).  It's a sustainable coffee roastery, climbing gear shop, and vegetarian/vegan cafe.  I love climbing at Shelf and have been going there for years, but there are no climbing resources around so I wanted to change that and create a space for the climbing community to meet up and hang out.  Also 1% of the coffee beans proceeds goes to American Alpine Club AND 1% goes to Access Fund :)!

Come check it out if you're headed to Shelf Road and say hi!  If you haven't climbed there before I've got you covered with local beta :).

Cool man! That’s awesome. I’ll check it out

We stopped by a couple weeks ago and can confirm it’s awesome! Definitely recommend stopping by on your way to shelf. 

I went by yesterday morning with some friends and the coffee was world class! Spencer roasts the beans on site and knows how to draw a rich smooth shot. We had the veggie burritos as well which are packed with fresh ingredients. I won’t be visiting Shelf without stopping by - kudos Spencer!

Bump for good coffee. Drinking some right now. Buy the beans. 

I keep hearing about this place - Looking forward to checking it out!

Looks rad! Can't wait to check it out. I'm a sucker for good coffee and friendly peeps! Thanks for investing in the community!

So rad!! I'll be stopping through on the REGULAR when i'm at shelf. Just shared with all of my climbing freinds, thank you so much for creating a place for the community!!

This place is technically a business, but in my mind it's an expression of my passions and a first attempt at true life fulfillment.  It's totally my pleasure to give the community a belay  !

It was great to meet you Sunday Spencer! One of the best coffees I’ve had in a long time and the veggie breakfast burrito was super (sweet potatoes for the win)! You have created such a warm and inviting space - 5 stars!!!! Can’t wait to return. 

I’ll have to check this out next time we are out there! Wish I had known about it last weekend!

Super cool! 

The Coyote is your only competition, and they have bacon, eggs, and sausage.

Otherwise, I think a place like yours is long overdue. Good luck.

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsionwrote:

The Coyote is your only competition, and they have bacon, eggs, and sausage.

Otherwise, I think a place like yours is long overdue. Good luck.

The Bean Pedaler has been a super solid cafe option in Cañon City – with breakfast sandwiches named Red Point, Onsight, & The Project, it's definitely trying at least somewhat to cater to climbers – but Cafe Belay looks awesome, and I look forward to checking it out!

I like your message and vibe, and plan on stopping by on my next shelf weekend trip. 

Have you ever consider posting up in a van at the bank lot and sell coffee and breakfast burritos on site?  That would make a killing. 

Not sure if MP is preventing you from posting your address, but it appears to be right on highway 50 between the Walgreens and the Village Inn on the north side. 

Andy Banwrote:

I like your message and vibe, and plan on stopping by on my next shelf weekend trip. 

Have you ever consider posting up in a van at the bank lot and sell coffee and breakfast burritos on site?  That would make a killing. 

I most definitely will be!  BLM isn't stoked on the idea, but I'm planning on re-converting my campervan into a mobile cafe and you'll be able to find me at the local trailheads :)

Spencer Harperwrote:

I most definitely will be!  BLM isn't stoked on the idea, but I'm planning on re-converting my campervan into a mobile cafe and you'll be able to find me at the local trailheads :)

I’m psyched for your new business and wish you the best.  I plan to check it out next time I’m in the area.

I’m not so psyched if you bring your commercial activity to the public lands and trail heads. Should Black Diamond, REI, DMM and Mammut set up booths at the trail heads too??

Greg Dwrote:

I’m psyched for your new business and wish you the best.  I plan to check it out next time I’m in the area.

I’m not so psyched if you bring your commercial activity to the public lands and trail heads. Should Black Diamond, REI, DMM and Mammut set up booths at the trail heads too??

I would never conduct business somewhere without explicit permission from the land owner.  I hope I can work something out with BLM, but if they say no then I won't.  It was just one of many ideas I've had for the future of Cafe Belay.

Also it feels less and less public the way BLM keeps charging more to enjoy staying at Shelf Road.  They clearly aren't getting enough funding so maybe the mobile cafe could help them in that department.

Stopped in on our way home last weekend. FANTASTIC cup of coffee. Great location. Thanks for letting us sample some of the delicious pastries Spencer!    

hows the beta on low clearance vehicles access to cactus by parking directly under the darkside?

to avoid the bad  bumpy road to the regular parking for cactus?

little and very old cars continue to the next hair pin and park anywhere and walk up the gated drive on the left

looks like from the vault looking down ppl just park anywhere below the private driveway? 

most importantly when was the last round of tickets given there?

hot springs after climbing!!! dakota hot springs has a hot hot springs only $15 by reservation 25 min from shelf or go ten minutes further to desert reef hot springs $25