DIY rock climbing in Steamboat
The climbing scene in Steamboat Springs is tiny. We are certainly not Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, or Yosemite. But the cool thing is we do have rock, a nice mix of it, and you won't have to wait for your line or worry someone is going to bust your style. The climbing scene in Steamboat is low key, spaced out (good distances between places to climb), and friendly.
There is only one guidebook for our area. The Steamboat Springs Rock Guide was written several years ago but remains the sole reference to where to climb, how to get there, and what to expect.
The climbing hot spots are Butcherknife, Blob Rock, The Domes, Box Canyon, and Hole in the Wall. Great climbing can also be found in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. (Mount Zirkel itsef on the Yellow Wall Route is a great multi-pitch climb).
If you're looking for a casual place to climb, Steamboat's climbing is a blast! Steamboat Rock Guide Butcherknife:
Directions: Located in town just off Missouri Street. Butcherknife is tiny but that has nothing to do with the Popeye forearms you'll have when you're done Left Hook - 5.11b
Jam Crack - 5.9
The Mantles - 5.10b
Bear Hug - 5.9
Blob Rock
Directions: From Ski Haus drive to town, right on 3rd St., up one block to Fish Creek Falls Road, turn right and drive up the hill to the first of second parking lot of Fish Creek Falls Trail. If you park at the first lot, hike up to the Uranium Mine Two Track on your left. From the second parking lot walk down the two track on your right. Hike up the switchbacks for about a half mile to 3/4 of a mile. Blob Rock faces southeast is right in front of you when you reach a high point on the trail.
Stiletto - 5.10c
Brashear's Route - 5.9
Tendon Tester - 5.11
Standard Route - 5.7
Great top ropping and great views of the valley.
The Domes:
Directions: The Domes can be a little challenging to find and they sneak out of the trees and explode in front of you. The climbing here ranges from one pitch to five. Yup, five. Time to get off the deck.
To find The Domes take highway 40 east. Turn right on Forest Road 100 (Buffalo Park). Set your odometer and drive 10 miles. The trail starts here and is marked with a rock cairn. Hike approx. 1.5 miles on a rolly trail and cross two soggy meadows so plan your footwear accordingly.
Note: The Domes are not accessible until mid to late July.
Too many routes to list here. Ratings from 5.5 to 5.10. The Domes are a blast!
Box Canyon Directions: Box Canyon and Hole in the Wall are near one another. From Ski Haus, take Highway 40 (Lincoln Ave) to County Road 129. Turn right on 129 and drive north past the town of Clark. Just past Clark turn right on Seedhouse Road (Forest ROad 400). Box Canyon is 8.5 miles up Seedhouse.
10 Established routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.10d.
Fun routes, watch for the loose rock on top.
P.S. The Narrows on the Elk River are nearby. Go take a look at a section of river that rocks and rolls!
Hole in the Wall
Directions: Same directions as Box Canyon. Once you pass Box Canyon turn left on Forest Road 431. There is a Forest Service gate up this road that is usually closed until the first of July or so... From the gate, if it's closed, hike about 1 mile. Where the road forks, follow left into Hole in the Wall. Georgeous.
Lots of routes here. 5.7 to 5.11c
