On the Edge of Red Stone: Climb Garden of the Gods' Classic Routes

COLORADO SPRINGS CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE

On the Edge of Red Stone: Climb Garden of the Gods' Classic Routes

A four-hour outing showcasing three hallmark climbs—Montezuma's Tower, New Era and West Point Crack—on the dramatic sandstone formations of Garden of the Gods.

On the Edge of Red Stone: Climb Garden of the Gods' Classic Routes.

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

Garden of the Gods is a unique climbing area full of history and interesting climbing features. Choose between classic routes: Montezuma's Tower offers a couple of short pitches with a wildly exposed perch on a teetering tower; New Era is a three-pitch, perfect desert crack that leads to the summit of Grey Rock; and West Point Crack, rated 5.9, mixes styles across three pitches to reach the summit of South Gateway, with a squeeze chimney and a memorable lean on the final pitch.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Red sandstone towers in a historic park

Garden of the Gods presents dramatic, teetering fins and towers—an uncommon climbing setting where history and striking rock form a compact playground for short multi-pitch routes.

THE ROUTE

Montezuma's Tower & New Era: classic, airy lines

Montezuma's Tower rewards a few exposed pitches with an unmatched sense of position; New Era delivers three pitches of clean crack climbing up to the summit of Grey Rock.

THE CRUX

West Point Crack: variety and a memorable squeeze

West Point Crack (5.9) mixes techniques across three pitches, including a favored squeeze chimney and a bold lean on the final pitch to reach South Gateway's summit.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The outing concentrates on a single classic climb in a concentrated, dramatic setting: short approaches, a handful of pitches on clean sandstone features, and compact summits that reward commitment with memorable exposure and views.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing fits — and who should think twice.

1
Active families with older kidsSuitable for families with children aged 8 and older who can handle short multi-pitch movement and exposure; the age policy sets a clear floor for participation.
2
Small groupsDesigned for very small parties—the offering is limited to up to three people—so it’s a good match for tight friend groups or a parent and one child.
3
Half-day climbersWith the outing framed as a roughly four-hour experience, it suits travelers who want a focused, half-day climb rather than a full-day expedition.
4
First-time multi-pitch climbersAppropriate for climbers seeking a short, classic multi-pitch experience provided they meet the minimum age and are comfortable with exposure; group size limits keep the experience compact.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring transportation to the climbing sites or your lodging, personal clothing and footwear appropriate for climbing, personal snacks and water, trip insurance, and guide gratuities; other costs not associated with services provided by the Colorado Climbing Company are the participant's responsibility.

Logistics

Meeting location varies by route and operator logistics—confirm the meeting point when you book and plan transportation accordingly.

Additional costs

Plan for guide gratuities and any extra expenses not covered by the operator; bring your own food, water and personal gear.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the outing take?

The trip is listed at approximately 4 hours.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least 8 years old.

How many people are allowed per booking?

Bookings are limited to up to 3 people.

Where do we meet for the climb?

The meeting location varies; confirm the exact meeting point with the operator when you book.

What should I bring with me?

Bring transportation, personal clothing and footwear, snacks and water, trip insurance, and budget for guide gratuities and any additional non-operator costs.