Hands on Granite: Classic Cheyenne Canyon Climbs Above Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE

Hands on Granite: Classic Cheyenne Canyon Climbs Above Colorado Springs

Choose between two classic Cheyenne Canyon routes—Cracks Parallel (a two-pitch test of balance) or the Army Route (a three-pitch ascent to the Pinnacle)—for a full-day climb with sweeping views of the canyon and Colorado Springs.

Hands on Granite: Classic Cheyenne Canyon Climbs Above Colorado Springs.

Duration
8 hours
Location
Colorado Springs
Operator
Colorado Climbing Company
Category
Climbing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Cheyenne Canyon is a locals’ climbing spot of shady granite slabs and classic routes tucked into the canyon above Colorado Springs. As a daylong outing, it doubles as the operator’s wet-weather backup to Garden of the Gods and offers two distinct ascents: the technical, balance-testing Cracks Parallel and the varied, summit-reaching Army Route.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Cracks Parallel — a technical two-pitch test

Cracks Parallel is a two-pitch climb (5.7) that builds in difficulty as you gain height; expect moves that demand balance and steady footwork as you finish the route.

THE ROUTE

Army Route — three pitches to the Pinnacle

The Army Route is a shorter, three-pitch ascent (5.6) that strings together cracks, faces and roofs before topping out on the Pinnacle formation for a rewarding view of the canyon and Colorado Springs.

THE SETTING

A local, shady granite slab and reliable backup

A favorite among locals, Cheyenne Canyon’s shady granite slabs make it a dependable option—used by the operator as a backup location when Garden of the Gods is too wet for climbing.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Across an eight‑hour outing you'll meet your guide, approach the wall, and pick the line that suits your party—either the sustained two-pitch challenge of Cracks Parallel or the route-variety and summit push of the Army Route—each offering direct contact with the canyon’s granite and vistas back toward Colorado Springs.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Active families with older kidsAges 10 and older.
2
Small groupsBest for very small parties—group size is limited to up to three people—making this a personal, guided experience.
3
Full‑day adventurersThis is a full‑day outing (8 hours), so it suits travelers who can commit to a longer, steady‑paced climbing day.
4
Families with younger childrenNot ideal for very young children—participants must meet the operator’s minimum age of 8 years.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring transportation to the climbing sites or to lodging; personal clothing and footwear appropriate for climbing; personal snacks and water; guide gratuities; trip insurance; and funds for any other costs not provided by The Colorado Climbing Company.

Logistics & transport

Participants are expected to provide their own transportation to the climbing sites or to any lodging; meeting location varies by outing.

Additional costs

Plan for guide gratuities and any other expenses not associated with services provided by the operator; carry trip insurance if desired.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The outing is an eight‑hour, full‑day experience.

Where is the meeting location?

The meeting location varies depending on the outing.

Which climbs can I pick from?

You can choose Cracks Parallel—a two‑pitch climb—or the Army Route, a three‑pitch route that finishes on the Pinnacle formation.

What should I bring with me?

Bring transportation to the site or lodging, personal clothing and footwear, snacks and water, guide gratuities, trip insurance, and funds for any costs not provided by the company.

Is there a minimum age to participate?

Yes—participants must be at least 8 years old.

How many people are allowed per booking?

Trips are limited to up to three people per group.