Rock Climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park



Season
Spring through fall are best
Nearest city
Boulder is just a short 30 minute drive away
Duration
1-3 days
Skill level
Beginner to advanced
Eldorado Canyon is a Multi-Pitch Climbing Playground
A crowd favourite since the 60s, Eldorado Canyon offers world-class climbing with routes that range from single-pitch moderates to runout 5.13 climbing that will test your skills to the fullest. This Front Range destination also features plenty of beginner routes to sharpen your skills and build confidence on. The great diversity of routes, staggering views and historic origins make it one of America’s ultra-classic climbing locations. No matter your level of climbing experience, Eldorado Canyon has what you’re looking for.
Quote
Eldorado Canyon State Park is one of the best traditional free climbing areas in the world. For those that can handle themselves on the rocks, it’s a climbing playground that you’ll never tire of. There’s also plenty of beginner routes to learn and sharpen skills on.
By Jesse Ramos – AMGA Rock Guide and Colorado local
Most Popular Itineraries
A Day of Customized Private Climbing With a Guide
Eldorado Canyon holds some excellent secret stashes, if you know where to find them. A day on the rocks with a private guide will have you climbing all the best spots for your skill level and objectives. A local certified IFMGA/AMGA guide will create a custom-tailored outing for you and your group. You’ll gain insider planning, expert safety skills and upgrade techniques, so you can soak up the climbing that Eldo has to offer.
Gym to Crag Transition Class
In this three-day class, you’ll learn how to transfer what you’ve learned in the climbing gym to an outdoor setting like Eldorado Canyon. Learn how to assess and build anchors, gain safety skills in real-life scenarios, and discover new climbing techniques. Get some fresh air while gaining some vertical, and leave feeling ready for your next climbing adventure.
Learn to Lead Course
Learn the techniques needed for leading single and multi-pitch climbs with Eldorado Canyon as your classroom. This two-day course will cover the fundamentals of lead climbing, including gear selection, gear placement, and the dynamics of lead climbing systems. Designed for climbers at an intermediate or advanced skill level, previous top rope climbing experience is a must.
Safety Skills and Self Rescue Clinic
If you’re an outdoor climber, safety and self-rescue skills are essential. This intensive one-day clinic will cover all the basics — teaching you how to use equipment, mitigate risks and make safe decisions in rescue situations. Under the supervision of certified guides, intermediate and advanced climbers will learn how to make improvised rescue equipment, master knots and hitches, and learn the ins and outs of rope rescue.
A Day of Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing
If you’re comfortable with single-pitch climbing, there’s no better place to try your hand at a longer multi-pitch route than Eldorado Canyon. Depending on your skill level, you’ll spend some time on the ground learning about equipment, leading a pitch, route finding, rope handling and belay station management, before tackling one of Eldo’s classic routes.
Things you need to know
Why should I book with 57hours?
With us, it’s all play and no work for you! 57hours is an open platform that connects you with trained and certified outdoor adventure professionals all over the world. Using our tech-savvy, we make it super easy to find and book adventures worth tackling, with guides worth booking, all gathered from the first-hand experiences of the locals who adventure in these amazing locations.
Why should I go rock climbing?
Rock climbing is more than just a sport; it’s problem solving on-the-go. It’s a balance of intuition and fluidity of movement. The fun comes from the possibilities — each route with a variety of options and only a fraction of them leading to success. When you finally master a climb, after hours of practice, it transcends mere sport and is akin to art.
What’s included?
What you get in this adventure:
- An experienced, local rock climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- An 8-hour rock climbing lesson
- All technical climbing gear
Technical gear list
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
- Rock shoes* (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
- Ropes
- Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
What do I need to bring?
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.
What if I’ve never climbed before?
No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety.
What does a typical day look like?
8:00 am: Meeting with the guide, file paperwork and check the gear
8:15 am: Gear up and carpool to the cliffs
8:45 am: Spend the day climbing or learning techniques (based on your chosen itinerary)
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Lunch (bring snacks and plenty of water)
12:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Keep climbing!
4:00 pm: Return to Boulder
If you’re new to climbing, your guide will cover all the basic safety guidelines for climbing outside. Guides will review and practice safe belaying techniques, teach you how to communicate effectively while climbing, and go over various climbing movements. If there are individual skills or goals you’d like to work on during your climb, you can discuss objectives with your guide — they’re always willing to accommodate.
How fit do I need to be?
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. 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 don’t let your perceived lack of strength keep you away from rock climbing — you’ve got what it takes.
What is the minimum age requirement?
- If you are older than 18y, you’re good to go.
- Teens aged 12-17 can go on their own, but a guardian will need to provide a signed waiver before an outing with the guide.
- Kids younger than 11 can easily go out and try climbing, but only in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
What about group sizes and pricing?
Group sizes are usually between 1–3 people with one guide, but you can also go with a larger group of up to 6 people per guide.
Costs per person could 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. Let us know prior to booking and we will make sure to accommodate the size of your group.
If you’re booking alone but want to join a group climbing class, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar skill level.
What about bad weather?
As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation,” and you can expect your guides to be fully prepared for anything. Inclement weather can always get in the way of climbing, but your guide will know the best spots to move to if the weather takes a turn.
On the rare occasion of truly bad weather, your instructor will present you with suitable alternatives. The most common practice is to reschedule your climbing to a more favorable day or suitable location nearby, if it exists.
If no options presented were viable to you, you will be issued a full refund.
Cancelation policy
All policies regarding cancellation, rescheduling and trip insurance will be clearly laid out by your guide prior to booking your adventure. Contact us if you’d like more information on a specific adventure.
Getting there and meeting location
You will meet your guide in Boulder, the closest town to the Eldorado Canyon, it’s just a short 30-minute drive away. Boulder is about 40 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), where highway access is a breeze to get to the park.
Guides we recommend

Jesse Ramos
AMGA Certified Guide

Jayson Simons-Jones
IFMGA/AMGA Certified Guide
