Affectionately called “The Monument” by locals, this iconic landscape provides a variety of rock climbing opportunities for all skill levels. From single pitch crack climbing set amongst the red desert sandstone cliffs to multi-pitch desert towers, Colorado National Monument is home to some of the best rock climbing in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Skyward Mountaineering offers guided rock climbing on a variety of desert towers in Colorado National Monument, whether you’re a novice rock climber looking to learn the ropes on a classic multi-pitch or an experienced climber looking a remote and technical rock climb to the summit of an improbably narrow summit. Here are some of our favorite tower routes in Colorado National Monument:

• Otto’s Route, Independence Monument (5.8+, 5 pitches)

• Steppin’ On It (5.10-, 1 pitch)

• Bell Tower, Kissing Couple Tower (5.11-, 5 pitches)

• Medicine Man, Sentinel Spire (5.12-, 4 pitches)

On July 4, 1911, the first superintendent of Colorado National Monument, John Otto ascended Independence Monument by drilling holes into the soft sandstone and placing iron pipe for hand and footholds. While these tactics would now be considered graffiti, this historic ascent leaves behind eroded holes that serve as a surprisingly moderate ascent of an incredibly steep desert tower. The exposure on the summit headwall is phenomenal and climbers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views atop the flat summit of this unique desert tower.

This climb requires previous multi-pitch rock climbing experience though the moderate grade makes it a great entry level route for rock climbers. Skyward Mountaineering offers a 1-day prep for this route on surrounding Grand Junction rock climbing areas for climbers who want to climb Otto’s Route but need more experience first.

A climber’s paradise just south of Grand Junction, Unaweep Canyon boasts hundreds of routes on soaring granite cliffs. This destination should be on every rock climber’s list if you’re visiting Grand Junction. Expect a multitude of delicate face climbs, hand and finger cracks, and plenty of fun, moderate off-width routes too. Unaweep Canyon’s variety of multi-pitch trad climbing and single pitch bolted sport climbing make it a wonderful rock climbing adventure destination. Additionally, the breathtaking views from the canyon rim add another dimension to the climbing experience.

Most of the walls in Unaweep Canyon face south and the golden granite walls reflecting the sunshine make this a great zone for cooler temps and is best during the early spring and late fall. It is actually possible to rock climb in a t-shirt here in the middle of winter during a calm and sunny day!

The secluded red cliffs of Navajo sandstone rise above the valley in Escalante Canyon, showing off splitter cracks and a distinct lack of crowding despite it’s beauty and fun rock climbing opportunities. Similar to nearby Indian Creek in Utah, Escalante Canyon is a desert crack climbing dream, walls are lined with cracks of varying sizes providing climbers with a truly natural form of rock climbing. However, unlike the famous Indian Creek, Escalante Canyon is mostly unknown and paired with the shorter approaches this zone is a fantastic classroom for honing your crack climbing technique. Most of the walls face south so Escalante Canyon is best during cooler temperatures and can be a wonderful early spring and late fall rock climbing destination.