Covid measures in Rocky Mountain National Park

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 Rocky Mountain National Park, please refer to the Colorado Official 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 half or full day of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary All technical climbing gear What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Food and snacks Entrance fees

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. 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?

Rocky Mountain National Park has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate to advanced climbers, Rocky Mountain National Park has loads of routes to spend the day on. 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 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) Rock shoes (can be rented, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) 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: For custom climbing days, the usual client to guide ratio is 2:1 and cost is per person. For the advanced Longs Peak adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 2:1 and cost is per person. 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 RMNP, most people fly into Denver International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. The park has two gateway communities: the town of Estes Park on the east and t he town of Grand Lake on the west. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The exact climbing spot will be discussed after the booking as guides make that decision after considering the skill level of the group and factors such as crag traffic and weather.

"Female climber makes the traverse from one line to the next on the fourth pitch of Orange Julius - Lumpy Ridge, Rocky Mountain National Park."

Longs Peak Mountain rocky and dangerous area

Rocky Mountain National Park, 14,000 ft mountain hike

Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado

Rock Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park

5.00 ()

Season

Spring to fall

Nearest city

Estes Park, CO is 20 minutes away

Duration

1 day

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Guides

Kevin Capps, Denver Mountain Guiding, Golden Mountain Guides

From $500 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) attracts climbers from all over the world for some of the best climbing on the Front Range. It’s easy to see why. RMNP is home to a famous 14er, Longs Peak, the tallest mountain in the park coming in at 14,259 feet. You’ll also find some of the most beautiful and engaging routes in the U.S. It’s true high-alpine climbing at Rocky — some climbs start at 12,000 feet! An early start and a certified guide by your side, the long approaches result in huge payoff when you gaze up at the magnificent alpine rock towering above you. Find out why RMNP is one of the best Front Range climbing locations from Rob Coppolillo, AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine, and Ski guide.

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 4000m peaks
“The Diamond” is one of the biggest alpine walls in the lower 48
Offers some of the best alpine rock climbs anywhere

Available itineraries

Beginner Full Day of Private Climbing With a Guide

Learn to climb in the Alpine environment with a pro guide that will make sure you master the basic techniques in a fun and safe environment. This ice-breaking experience offers a variety of options for easy to moderate alpine rock climbs that involve an early start and continual movement throughout the Rocky Mountains for the majority of the day. Some of the best options are Hallett Peak, East Glacier Knobs and Lumpy Ridge!

Duration: 6-10 hours car-to-car

Intermediate Full Day of Private Climbing With a Guide

Don’t miss the opportunity to climb some of the RMNP classics under the watchful eye of a pro guide! Put your skills to the test and advance your technique on longer climbs in the Park. It might be a very early start to the day but it allows you to tackle the hike, climb and beat the weather! Try to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole or conquer the soaring Petit Grepon spire overlooking Sky Pond. The options are endless, especially when you have a guide by your side!

Duration: 8-12 hours car-to-car

Advanced Full Day of Private Climbing With a Guide

Get an early start and tackle some of the most challenging climbs in RMNP with a guide! Climb by headlamp over some easier terrain and reach your main objective for the day just as the sun rises above horizon. Spend the day fueled by adrenaline and climbing some of the best advanced routes on Ypsilon Mountain, Glacier Gorge, and Longs Peak!

Duration: 12+ hours car-to-car
Note: The tour begins between midnight and 1am. There’s an option to break these climbs into multiple days depending on the objective.

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Download Rock Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park Brochure

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Meet your guides

5.00

Kevin Capps

AMGA Certified Guide

Kevin has over 15 years of mountaineering and rock climbing experience throughout the United States and overseas as well. Whether he’s leading an advanced multi-pitch climb or teaching a large group their first climbing lesson ever, Kevin is one of the most confident and reliable leaders you’ll find. His goal is to show others the pleasures and rewards of climbing in the mountains he loves.

5.00

AMGA Certified Guides

Founded in 2010, Denver Mountain Guiding offers comprehensive climbing opportunities across Colorado's Front Range and beyond. You can count on their AMGA certified guides to help you get the most out of whatever climbing objective you may have in mind, no matter your skill level.

5.00

As a small, family run business, GMG values the importance of personal connection, self discovery, and the joy that the great outdoors can add to life. They aim to not just guide, but create meaningful connections through incredible experiences. Explore incredible places and open the door to a lifetime of fulfilling adventure with Golden Mountain Guides!

Read our trip report

Location Review by Jesse Ramos

A Local Climbing Guide Reveals the Best Routes in Eldorado Canyon

5.00 (7 reviews)

Amazing climbing experience

Morgan P (source: TripAdvisor)

We had a blast mountain climbing. Our guide, Nate, was amazing. I was nervous about my upper body strength but he quickly eased my fears and showed me how to use my legs and footing to help me get up the mountain side. Nate was so patient. He gave us tips and confidence and made the entire experience so incredible. Nate also showed us how to belay and taught us the ins and outs of safety so we had the skills to go to a gym and keep practicing this sport. We also felt so safe, Nate took COVID precautions seriously which made our experience so much more enjoyable. I highly recommend going out with him on a rock climbing trip!

Climb with the best!

AdventureSeeker897 (source: TripAdvisor)

My wife and I have climbed with Kevin from Denver Mountain Guiding twice now and have had only amazing experiences and great trips. The first time we climbed a top notch 5-pitch trad route in Eldorado Canyon. The second times we climbed a 4-pitch Classic in Clear Water Canyon and would have climbed more if the weather didn’t prevent us from doing so. We have continued to be impressed with his knowledge of rock climbing and the different climbing crags (especially the routes), his attention to safety (which always comes first) and his exceptional client service. Kevin wrote the guidebook to Clear Creek Canyon, which is where we climbed this past trip. My wife and I would climb with Kevin and the Denver Mountain Guiding team anytime and plan to climb with him the next time we visit Denver.

An Absolute Blast

Savannah K (source: Trip Advisor)

The guide was exceptional, knowledgeable, and entertaining. The experience started with paperwork at a coffeeshop, then a 20 minute hike, and then the rock climbing began. We felt safe the entire time. The equipment seemed well maintained and ourguide customized the experience for us as beginners. He pushed us to try new methods. After 2 climbs each we were ready to head back home. We were given an option to climb one last time each.

Amazing

Clara V (source: TripAdvisor)

Denver Mountain Guiding was an incredible experience. Our guides, Joey and Carlyn took us to a very scenic destination were they set up two climbing lines. They taught us how to belay, rappel, and climb. Eventually, some of us got the hang of the beginner routes, so they set up a different route for us. Our guides were helpful, friendly, and funny. Would definitely recommend!

Have a stellar day in the mountains!

Laura D (source: Trip Advisor)

This is the best way to experience the mountains at whatever comfort level you require. I have used Golden Mountain Guides 6 times as my climbing has progressed and have never been disappointed. It feels safe yet challenging. Face it, climbing is scary if you have any common sense at all, and with their guides I have been able to manage my fear and test my limits without being foolhardy.
This would be fun with older children who have had some indoor climbing experience.

Excellent Experience

Sara M (source: Trip Advisor)

My friends and I had the pleasure of doing a half-day rock climbing adventure with Ben. He sincerely was a fantastic guide; patient, smart, cautious, fun, kind, and motivating. He pushed us a smidge outside of our comfort zone, enough to make us reach the top without ever compromising our safety or making us feel uncomfortable. He also provided many teachable moments so we could learn about safety, knot tying, strategy, etc. so that we could climb on our own one day. We had a blast. All the gear we needed including shoes were provided. It was the perfect way to spend four hours, and we will certainly be back for other adventures!

1/2 Day Rock Climbing

GRJulie13 (source: Trip Advisor)

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 Rocky Mountain National Park, please refer to the Colorado Official 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 half or full day of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
  - All technical climbing gear
What’s not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Food and snacks
  - Entrance fees
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. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
Rocky Mountain National Park has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, Rocky Mountain National Park has loads of routes to spend the day on. 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
  - 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)
  - Rock shoes (can be rented, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  - 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:
- - For custom climbing days, the usual client to guide ratio is 2:1 and cost is per person.
  - For the advanced Longs Peak adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 2:1 and cost is per person.
  - 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 RMNP, most people fly into Denver International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. The park has two gateway communities: the town of Estes Park on the east and the town of Grand Lake on the west.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The exact climbing spot will be discussed after the booking as guides make that decision after considering the skill level of the group and factors such as crag traffic and weather.