The Arkansas River Valley is a highly sought-after rock climbing destination with welcoming temps and nearby camping, lodging, and good times. RMOC provides access to a wide range of staggeringly beautiful locations, offering exceptional guided rock climbing experiences for all ages and skill levels. On any of our climbing trips, you’ll have professional guides trained by the American Mountain Guides Association to keep you informed and show you the ropes.
Read on to discover several of the top crags in the Ark Valley.
Popular Multi-Pitch Areas
Davis Face
Davis Face is a great spot to learn to climb multi-pitch. It has classic climbs detailed in the guidebooks and some new lines yet to be featured. Mighty, scenic, and secluded, Davis Face is always a stellar time.
Davis Face climbing routes you may recognize: Winter Sun, Davis’ Dirty Crack, Carter Classic, Unknown Sport Route Right of Center Route, D3, and The Tao (formerly D4).
Monitor Rock
At Monitor Rock, you’ll find high mountain routes that deliver some of Colorado’s first-rate multi-pitch climbs. With spellbinding granite rock domes and an array of single and multi-pitch routes, there’s never a shortage of adrenaline at Monitor.
Top Roping: Fourmile Rec Area
Made up of 100,000 acres, the Fourmile Rec Area is an irresistible location for a variety of recreational activities, including top roping.
Bob’s Rock
Right off the road, Bob’s Rock is a stunning granite wall with long routes. This one will keep you busy with route names like Cartoon Watcher, Top Rope Slab, Twist and Shout, and Ego Buster. Most of the climbs reside in the 5.9 to 5.12 range.
Transmitter Tower
These widely celebrated rock towers provide top rope, sport, and multi-pitch options. At Transmitter Tower, you’ll experience inspiring beginner and intermediate routes.
Turtle Rock
Among the largest crags in the Ark, Turtle Rock has over two dozen climbs. The rock itself will drop your jaw with its large turtle shape and dramatic features. This one isn’t for beginners. Climbers with enough experience for Turtle Rock must exercise caution as the winds can pick up and the drops are steep.
Hidden Gem: Castle Rock
Castle Rock is our most remote site and more than worth the trip. These mesmerizing granite domes jut out of a lush and shaded forest near Aspen Ridge, blending picturesque scenery with bountiful Colorado climbing.
Extremely Honorable Mention: Holy Water Wall on Cottonwood Pass
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Holy Water Wall on Cottonwood Pass. You’ll find a number of bolted and TR routes in this high alpine crag, and with its proximity to Buena Vista, you can get your climbing in and head back to town in time for a tasty meal and entertainment.
RMOC Guided Rock Climbing Trips
We offer rewarding half and full-day guided climbs and more. Explore our options, and book an expert-led rock climbing package today.
RMOC is an equal opportunity service provider. RMOC operates under special use permits from the San Isabel National Forest. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.