A Mountain to Climb | My Favorite Guided Trips

As a employee of a guiding company offering mountain adventures ranging from rock climbing and instruction to multipitch ice climbing, I always encourage people to hire a guide.

But...that is not what this is about.

If you are looking for an out of this world rock climbing adventure in Colorado, here are a few of my favorite Colorado Climbing Trips offered by Golden Mountain Guides.

1. Outer Space, 5.10b

Eldorado Canyon State Park

This is one of my favorite classic climbs in Eldorado Canyon State Park!

Outer Space is two pitches of stunning Eldorado Canyon climbing, high above South Boulder Creek. The climb starts on the road before rising through the first two pitches of the Bastille Crack and ends on a spectacularly exposed headwall.

Did I mention that this climb has some of the best views in the whole canyon?

The first true pitch of Outer Space is an absolutely classic dihedral with brilliant stemming and steep climbing. As an old school classic route, the moves on the crux pitch feel slippery and the climbing feels tough.

This has gotta be one of my favorite 5.10 routes in all of Eldo!

As with most routes in Eldorado Canyon, this is a trad route so come prepared with an assortment of stoppers and cams, slings/runners, and anchor material. Or, hire a guide to take you up this route.

2. The Bastille Crack, 5.7

Eldorado Canyon State Park

The Bastille Crack is hands down the most sought after rock climb in Colorado!

It's not uncommon for multiple parties to be queued up waiting for their chance at the send. Early starts are your friend here!

This super classic route starts right off the road and is five guidebook pitches of 5.7 climbing. An ascent begins with a one minute walk from your car to the bottom of the route.

Make sure you put your belayer in a safe spot out of the road!

The fun begins as you make your way from the road up to the first crack system with a strange step to the left. This crack is a classic for a reason, the whole route is a combination of cool moves and terrific scenery. The one downside to the Bastille Crack is that the sheer coolness of the climb means that people come from around the world to climb this route. It can be busy.

And, if your crack climbing skills aren't up to par, it can feel much harder than 5.7. Need a refresher on climbing cracks? Check out this course.

I recommend this climb due to the sheer uniqueness of it as there is very little climbing with that combination of interesting moves with such a short approach. Great for small groups with semi experienced climbers.

3. The Maiden

The Boulder Flatirons

One of the most eccentric climbs that we offer is the Maiden. While still technically in the Flatirons, this formation can feel pretty out there.

It's wild to be so close to Boulder, but so far removed from people and civilization. Not to mention the free hanging rappel off the summit!

After parking at the South Mesa Trailhead, expect a steep hike to the base. Navigate talus and dense forest as you trudge uphill to the base.

Both the East Ridge (5.10c) and the North Face (5.6R) are sweet objectives!

After a hike on the stunning boulder trails you will put on your harness, helmet, and shoes before beginning the fun part of your day. This climb starts with 5 pitches of either 5.6 or 5.10c climbing (depending on the days route).

The summit of the Maiden is pretty wild and the view across the front range is awe-inspiring. After some cool pictures, your guide will drop a rope off of the top back to the crow's nest. The rappel off the top is an adrenaline filled end to a great day of climbing.

This is a big day for most climbers, especially with the big approach hike and earlier start. If you are looking for an adventure and have some experience with climbing this is the route for you!

4. Longs Peak

Rocky Mountain National Park

Have you ever hiked or climbed a Colorado 14er?

Even if the answer is yes, I highly recommend jumping on the bandwagon and putting your boots on the trail. Hiking or climbing a 14er is one of the coolest and most rewarding things that you can do in a day.

Colorado is famous for its high mountains. In fact, 58 of them are over 14,000 feet high (the most 14ers in any continuous state).

Longs Peak is one of the most commanding 14ers around and can be seen from Denver. It has tons of world class rock climbing opportunities, with many of the classic rock routes residing on the Diamond Face. Classic mountaineering routes like Kiener's and the Cables Route also grace this beautiful mountain.

Not up for a big day of climbing? Longs peak, via the Keyhole, is a pretty sought after hike. Over 4,600 feet of elevation gain through beautiful alpine tundra, narrow rock ledges, and the infamous homestretch make this a big hiking day. At almost 15 miles, the Keyhole route is one of the best ways to see this incredible mountain. Learn more about Longs Peak Here.

5. Costa Blanca

Spain

Feeling ready for a vacation? Is warm, sunny Mediterranean Limestone sport climbing calling your name?

Then join us for this amazing ten day climbing and cultural trip in the Costa Blanca region of Spain!

Immerse yourself in food, sights, and some of the best rock climbing in the world. This area has thousands of sport routes with every difficulty imaginable, all right next to the Mediterranean Sea.

Over the course of ten days, you'll get the chance to experience Spanish culture, soak up the rays of beach life, eat incredible foot, and see amazing architectural wonders. Many times, rest days from climbing include Via Ferrata, canyoneering, and coasteering (deep water soloing).

6. Playin' Hooky

Clear Creek Canyon

Got the mid-week work blues? Need to step out of the office for a healthy dose of nature?

This local Clear Creek Canyon classic is just what you need!

Playin' Hooky is one of the canyon's most sought after climbs, and for a good reason. Four pitches of amazing 5.8 face climbing on bulletproof gneiss lead to one of the coolest summits in the Denver area.

The best part about this route is how accessible it is. The approach is only fifteen minutes from the parking area, and there are plenty of rappel stations to facilitate a speedy descent. The climbing is fun and straightforward and very well protected.

Hands down, Playin' Hooky is one of the best multipitch sport routes near Denver!

7. Private Outdoor Guided Climbing Day

Take Your Pick of any Location We Guide

One of the most popular climbing adventures that we offer is our Private Guided Climbing days. Both our half and full days are 100% customizable towards you, your climbing abilities, and your goals.

The best way to learn how to climb or learn trad climbing is by spending a day working with a guide. With over eight different locations near Denver and Boulder, there's a crag and a day out there for you. See all of our locations we operate out of here.

I recommend these trips for anybody who wants to learn about climbing, or take their understanding of technical climbing skills to the next level.

Phew...it's hard to choose just seven of my favorites. Have another one? Drop us a comment below!

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Written by Connor Logan

GMG Office Manager

Updated March 26, 2022