Rock climbing in Rifle Mountain Park is a world-class limestone destination, with multiple crags spread throughout the canyon. Walls vary in steepness from overhanging caves to technical vertical faces and despite it’s challenging reputation there has been significant new route development of moderate grades (and it turns out these routes are really high quality too!). Rock climbing in Rifle is 100% Type 1 Fun and Skyward Mountaineering guides enjoy having this incredible destination in our backyard on Colorado’s Western Slope. Our guides are talented rock climbers who provide expert coaching and support for climbers to surpass a plateau. Having trouble breaking into 5.12? Want to learn to lead outdoor sport climbing? Rifle is the perfect rock climbing destination for experienced sport climbers looking to progress in their climbing movement and newer climbers looking to be introduced to outdoor rock climbing.

Despite the popularity of Rifle as a world class rock climbing destination, Skyward Mountaineering is one of the few mountain guide services to offer guided rock climbing in the canyon. The routes are typically defined by complex climbing in steep terrain, demanding both power and endurance. Rifle Mountain Park hosts the largest quantity of 5.13 routes in North America! Rifle has earned its premier status for the quality and quantity of these challenging routes, though there are certainly plenty of moderate routes too. Our guides will introduce you to the standard classic routes as well as modern hidden gems.