50 Classic Climbs of Colorado

Rappelling off the Third Flatiron after climbing the super-classic East Face (5.4, 7 pitches), Boulder, CO.

Colorado is widely regarded as one of the best states in the country to be a rock climber. With an incredible variety of rock types, Colorado has every type of climbing you can think of. From granite cracks and slabs to limestone pockets and sandstone splitters, single-pitch crags to multi-pitch walls and alpine peaks, you can pick any style of climbing on any given day. And, the sunny, pleasant climate means that Colorado has more climbable days than anywhere else.

With so much climbing in one state, it can be hard to know where to begin. I get inquiries nearly every day asking me to point climbers towards the best routes, so I finally compiled my favorites into one document, sorted by region. Classic destinations like Eldorado Canyon and Lumpy Ridge are heavily represented, as are multi-pitch routes and long alpine classics. I leave out many of the best single-pitch climbs in the state and focus on the longer classic climbs.

Of course, this list is just one person’s opinion, so take it with a grain of salt. I’m not making any bold claims, merely providing 50 great routes to add to your list of Colorado Classics. Hopefully, this list will keep you busy for years to come.