Best Rock Climbs for Beginners Near Denver

Here are our top 10 favorite beginner rock climbs near Denver. We as Guides are often asked by newer climbers “What are the best climbs for beginners?”, and though that is somewhat a loaded question we usually say everyone’s favorite answer “it depends”. Well today instead of saying our usual answer, we have provided just that!

For full transparency these are all bolted sport climbs. This is a list of climbs specifically to help those climbers that are freshly bitten by the climbing bug! These climbs all have a bit of uniqueness to them, and they all bring something different to the table to set you off on your path for they allow you to experience different rock types!

White Walker (5.4, 50 ft, Staunton State Park)

This is a nice and short beginner climb, and perfect for those climbers that have never been climbing outside before!

Captain Underpants (5.6, 100 ft, Staunton State Park)

A fun climb that matches the fun name! This route features a mix of slab, and bomber holds along the way.

Heads high (5.6, 365 ft/3-4 pitches, Staunton State Park)

Ready to tackle a multi-pitch climb? This is a great bolted route that eases you into the world of multi-pitch climbing in Staunton State Park! Not sure you are ready to start multipitch climbing? Check out our intro to multi-pitch climbing course!

I did! I did! (5.5, 50 ft, Clear Creek Canyon)

This 7 bolt climb near Golden, Colorado past Tunnel 6 of Clear Creek Canyon is a beginners dream. Big chunky holds that lead up to a two bolt anchor. Be sure to follow the bolt line, as a harder 5.8 sits to the left of this climb.

Yellow Dog Dingo (5.6, 200 ft/3 pitches, Clear Creek Canyon)

Located in the Other Critters cragging area, another great route lays that offers a mix of climbing skills along the route. The best part is the amazing bolted rappelling anchors at the end of this climb installed by our very own guide Peter!

Sun is shinning (5.4, 45 ft, Tiers of Zion)

This classic climb on the lower Tier area is actually the start of the 3 pitch route, trench town. However this is a great spot for climbers to practice leading skills on good holds and feet.

Irie (5.7, 50 ft, Tiers of Zion)

Looking for an amazing view of Clear Creek Canyon while you climb? This route is not very difficult, but it is fun. The start is fairly slabby and, it is a little steeper near its end. The most difficult move is near the middle, but there are good holds throughout the climb. Located in the Lower Tiers of Zion, East Wall!

Coloradoddity (5.6, 95 ft, Lily Lake RMNP)

This is a long, bolted, low-angled arete/rib that tracks up easy terrain and has great exposure above the lake and a beautiful view of the Diamond off to the south. A spectacular photo can be taken of the Diamond in the background from higher up (approx. 50′) on the trail.

Purple Reign (5.5, 40 ft, Shelf Road)

Just outside of Canon City on Shelf Road lies an amazing crag formation, offering a variety of beginner sport climbs. Purple Reign is a 5 bolt pitch that leads to Mussy Hooks.

Crynoid Corner (5.7, 75 ft, Shelf Road)

This is a well-protected route making it a very good beginner lead. Located directly up from the parking area at Cactus Cliff. It is a very prominent bolted corner-crack at the far left.

So, you climb all these routes, now what?!…Keep climbing! Keep climbing in the gym,
on different rock/styles, with different people, just don’t stop climbing! Learn different
systems such as learning how to build anchors, learning how to lead climb, self-rescue,
learn to trad climb, or even learn how to multi pitch climb. If you don’t know where to
start with any of it, or need help/mentorship with a specific thing, than reach out to us so
we can set you up for success!