GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
colorado national monument
1-Day
Intermediate
From $525
PRIVATE TripS
March- May & Oct-December
EXPLORE THE NATIONAL MONUMNET
DISCOVER
| OVERVIEW |
Join us on Otto's Route and climb through history. The first climbers drilled and chopped many holds in the soft sandstone to aid up this route with pipes placed in holes they created. Now, only the holes remain, giving the route a moderate feel and novel climber experience. Its standout summit, exposure, and beautiful setting make for a remarkable adventure.
Colorado National Monument is a world-renowned desert landscape home to many scenic towers, and sandstone crack climbing very akin to it's Moab counterpart. Independence Monument is the main attraction and is sought after for its stunning beauty and unlikely stature.
| GALLERY |
| ITINERARY AND PREP |
Pre-Trip call
Our team will reach out to schedule a call prior to your trip. We’ll discuss good places to stay in town, your intentions and goals for the day, route overviews, review gear, and share a general time plan for the day. This is also a great time to meet and connect with your guide.
Morning
You will meet your guide at the Monument Canyon Trailhead and share a quick morning hello, and the day’s itinerary. The team will make any small adjustments to the climbing kit and then take a stroll to our climb.
An integral part of climbing is familiarity with the area and its history. Our team shares stories about the area and the unique history of the first ascent of Otto’s route.
The Climb
At the base of our route, there will be plenty of time for refreshers or new learnings on multi-pitch systems, how to work with and clean traditional gear and anchors and communication styles. Once the team feels ready, we rack up, review our systems, and climb an amazing tower!
End of day
It is often customary (but not mandatory) to have a meal back in the town to celebrate a great day spent in the mountains! At minimum, we’ll debrief the day; sharing a rose, bud, and thorn from the experience that will leave you with a more reflective mindset of your accomplishment.
Technical Experience
Guests should have knowledge and ability to lead belay and tie in. Traditional climbing follower experience is helpful but not required.
Fitness
Moderate physical climbing fitness is recommended. Desert climbing is often steep, requiring good technique and solid upper body strength. The general style of the desert is crack climbing, which to start, feels very physical. You will learn over these three days, trust us, but a healthy dose of humility and non-attachment to grades will make your experience that much better.
OTTO’S ROUTE
INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT
| WHATS INCLUDED |
- Group climbing equipment
- Climbing helmet, harness, shoes, multi-pitch backpack
- Personal climbing gear supplements: carabiners, belay device, lanyards
- Certified guides
- Hotel accommodations in Grand Junction
- Town dinners / libations
- Transportation to the venue and crags
- Snacks and water for the climbs
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides
VISTAS AT THE MONUMENT
ANCIENT ART TOWER
| PRICING DETAILS |
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
colroado national monument
1-Day
March- May & Oct-December
Intermediate
Single: $525
Two Guests: $350 Per Guest
Private TripS
March- May & Oct-December
| QUESTIONS |
colorado national monument.
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Probably, Yes! Otto’s is consider an intermediate climbing route and if you climb consistently at the climbing gym, you will find this route enjoying and engaging. Our team works with you throughout the day to help build confidence while on route and can meet you where you’re at no matter the experience level.
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Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge. Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, and a small multi-pitch backpack. We can also provide additional climbing equipment such as carabiners and a belay device upon request.
While booking you can provide your gear needs via our questionnaire or you can email climb@smilemountainguides.com with personal gear requests.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.
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AIR TRAVEL
There are regular flights to Grand Junction on most major airlines.
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Please email:
climb@smilemountainguides.com for more information about this program.