Colorado National MonumentAdventure

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Colorado National

Monument Adventure

Single:$420

2 CLIMBERS: $300 /PERSON

Intermediate

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Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction Colorado

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1-Day

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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.

Join us on Otto's Route and climb through history. The first ascensionist drilled and chopped many holds in the soft sandstone to aid up this route with pipes in the holes, but now just the holes remain, which gives the route a moderate rating. 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.

    Join us on Otto's Route and climb through a storied history. The first ascensionist drilled and chopped many holds in the soft sandstone to aid up this route with pipes in the holes, but now just the holes remain, which gives the route a moderate rating. Its standout summit, exposure, and beautiful setting make for a remarkable adventure.

  • This adventure takes place in the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, Colorado.

    Pre-Adventure Trip Call:

    Our team extends the offer to schedule a call before your guided tour. They will discuss route options for the day, review gear needs, and share a general time plan for the trip. This is also a great way to ask any questions about the day!

    Morning:

    Meet at our trailhead and share a quick morning hello, and the day’s itinerary. The team will make any small adjustments to the 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 some stories and educates as we approach the climb.

    The Climb:

    Instructions and reminders on gear and its removal, proper hydration, the rope systems, and belaying will be covered. We finish with a partner check, and then the team climbs!

    End Of Day Debrief:

    At the cars, we focus our attention on the day; sharing the Rose, the Bud, and the Thorn to ruminate more deeply on the experience. It is often customary ( but not mandatory) to have a meal back in the town to celebrate the great days spent in the mountains!

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Two rock climbers ascending a steep, rocky cliff in a desert landscape with sparse vegetation.
A woman with a backpack and climbing rope on her shoulder hiking on a trail in a desert landscape with rock formations and a clear blue sky.

PREPARATIONS FOR CLIMBING IN THE MONUMENT

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Technical Experience

No technical climbing experience is required for this adventure.

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Fitness

Moderate physical fitness is recommended. Climbers should be able to hike and climb for approximately 6-8 hours while carrying a small pack.

FAQ’s

Colorado National Monument

The answers to our most commonly asked questions for Monument climbing.

  • PRICE INCLUDES

    +Guide fees (2:1 climber-to-guide ratio)

    +Group equipment such as ropes, helmets, harnesses, shoes, and technical climbing equipment.

    +Small multi-pitch backpack

    PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

    +Personal equipment (see Gear List)

    +Transportation

    +Hotels/lodging in Boulder

    +All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evac fees)

    +Trip cancellation insurance

  • Smile Mountain Guides provides the following gear.

    Technical:

    +Helmets

    +Harness

    +Shoes

    +Small backpack

    +Ropes and group technical equipment

    Smile Mountain Guides does not provide the clothing needed to be comfortable in the mountain environment.

  • Smile focuses on small groups and ratios that meet the professional mountain guiding standard. These programs have a 2:1 ratio. We can accommodate a maximum group size of 6 climbers with 3 guides if the group chooses different climbing routes and on the Flatirons formations.

  • Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.

  • Yes! This is a custom adventure!

    A large portion of our business is designed around custom adventures. Please email, climb@smilemountainguides.com if you would like more information.