...becomes the destination of choice for advanced rock climbers from all over, offering vast opportunities to explore the inner canyon walls. Black Canyon is NOT a place for the beginning climber.
The canyon is extremely deep and narrow; at its deepest it’s 2,722 ft. The Painted Wall, a popular climbing area in the canyon, is the tallest vertical wall in the state of Colorado with a height of 2,250 ft. Another canyon area known as the North and South Chasm Walls, where the majority of the climbing activity takes place, boasts a depth 1,820 ft.
All of the climbs within Black Canyon are multi-pitch traditional routes located in remote areas within the canyon. Of the one hundred forty five climbs that are known by the Park Service; eight are rated at 5.8, one hundred and seventeen climbs have ratings between 5.10 and 5.13 and many require aid. Many climbers have said that the ratings here can be deceiving and therefore extreme caution and experience are required.
During the season climbers can expect frequent afternoon thunder showers, fully leafed out poison ivy, and approach gullies inhabited by ticks. While the National Park Service has rangers trained in high angle rescue, any rescue operation within the park is difficult and requires extended periods of time. Climbers should not underestimate the routes and should carry the equipment necessary to endure an unexpected bivouac.
We all need someone to inspire us but for those of us who prefer to live this type of adventure vicariously, Park Rangers recommend a short hike from the North Rim campground out to the North Chasm View overlook, some 1800 feet above the river. Continuing near the rim, the trail reaches a second overlook with excellent views of Painted Wall and Serpent Point where you just might spot a group of climbers only 1,100 feet across the canyon.
Wilderness use permits are required for all inner canyon use including hiking, kayaking and climbing. Visit the North Rim Ranger Station for information or go online to: http://www.nps.gov/blca
The canyon is extremely deep and narrow; at its deepest it’s 2,722 ft. The Painted Wall, a popular climbing area in the canyon, is the tallest vertical wall in the state of Colorado with a height of 2,250 ft. Another canyon area known as the North and South Chasm Walls, where the majority of the climbing activity takes place, boasts a depth 1,820 ft.
All of the climbs within Black Canyon are multi-pitch traditional routes located in remote areas within the canyon. Of the one hundred forty five climbs that are known by the Park Service; eight are rated at 5.8, one hundred and seventeen climbs have ratings between 5.10 and 5.13 and many require aid. Many climbers have said that the ratings here can be deceiving and therefore extreme caution and experience are required.
During the season climbers can expect frequent afternoon thunder showers, fully leafed out poison ivy, and approach gullies inhabited by ticks. While the National Park Service has rangers trained in high angle rescue, any rescue operation within the park is difficult and requires extended periods of time. Climbers should not underestimate the routes and should carry the equipment necessary to endure an unexpected bivouac.
We all need someone to inspire us but for those of us who prefer to live this type of adventure vicariously, Park Rangers recommend a short hike from the North Rim campground out to the North Chasm View overlook, some 1800 feet above the river. Continuing near the rim, the trail reaches a second overlook with excellent views of Painted Wall and Serpent Point where you just might spot a group of climbers only 1,100 feet across the canyon.
Wilderness use permits are required for all inner canyon use including hiking, kayaking and climbing. Visit the North Rim Ranger Station for information or go online to: http://www.nps.gov/blca