Covid measures in Black Canyon, CO

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, please refer to the Colorado State and National Park Service website. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of rock climbing All technical climbing gear Permits What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Food and snacks

How fit do I need to be?

Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength, so if you have previous experience with at least 5.7 routes, you’re good to go. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

For intermediate to advanced climbers, Black Canyon has loads of routes to spend the day on. The easiest routes in Black Canyon are graded 5.7, so if you are still a beginner, but you are in great physical shape and have some experience on the rocks, you could join a guide and upgrade your skill. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

What about required equipment?

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag Ropes Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag) Water bottle Food you can eat on-the-go Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: The max guest to guide ratio for these private climbs is 2:1. Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has climbers under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Aspen, most people fly into Denver International Airport, 3.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. You can also fly into Aspen airport (ASE) which is a 2-hour country drive south. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at Aspen Expeditions’ shop at the base of Aspen Highlands, or another predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Gunnison National Park | Colorado

Rock Climbing in the Black Canyon

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Intro
Brochure
Things to know

Duration

1 day

Season

Year-round, but peak season is in spring and fall

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located just 2 hours away from Aspen, is one of Colorado’s best multi-pitch climbing destinations. Relatively unknown to climbers, this trad climbers’ paradise boasts some of the cleanest stretches of granite state-wide, virtually no crowds, and accessible, yet humbling routes. Some of the classic climbs on this 2700 feet deep canyon are Maiden Voyage (5.9), Casual route (5.8), Casually off route (5.9), Russian Arete IV (5.9), Comic Relief (5.10), and the Scenic Cruise V (5.10). With faces and routes that will challenge intermediate to expert climbers, it’s ideal to climb with a guide who knows the canyon as the palm of their hand.

Adventure highlights

World-class rock climbing with the cleanest stretches of granite in the state
Mostly multi-pitch climbs ranging from 5.7 to 5.13 R
Some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America

Rock Climbing in the Black Canyon

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Amos Whiting

Amos Whiting, Head Guide since 2002 and co-owner since 2017, was the 20th American to become IFMGA certified and has been a senior instructor and examiner for the AMGA since 2006. He is a solid all-around mountain traveler and guide who has worked as an outdoor educator and guide since 1995. He has a BA from Prescott College in Wilderness Leadership and Counseling Psychology.

5.00

Aspen Expeditions

The mountain guides of Aspen Expeditions Worldwide (AEW) have been among the most trained, experienced and credentialed guiding service for over 40 years. The history of mountain guiding and AEW is rich with personal accomplishments, as well as national and international certification credentials. Their diverse backgrounds laden with experience working in a number of locations all around the world make them a world class organization that truly enjoys sharing knowledge and experience with their clients.

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, please refer to the Colorado State and National Park Service website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day of rock climbing
  - All technical climbing gear
  - Permits
What’s not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Food and snacks
Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength, so if you have previous experience with at least 5.7 routes, you’re good to go. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
For intermediate to advanced climbers, Black Canyon has loads of routes to spend the day on. The easiest routes in Black Canyon are graded 5.7, so if you are still a beginner, but you are in great physical shape and have some experience on the rocks, you could join a guide and upgrade your skill. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
- - Helmet
  - Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
  - Ropes
  - Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  - Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  - Water bottle
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - The max guest to guide ratio for these private climbs is 2:1.
  - Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Aspen, most people fly into Denver International Airport, 3.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. You can also fly into Aspen airport (ASE) which is a 2-hour country drive south.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at Aspen Expeditions’ shop at the base of Aspen Highlands, or another predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.