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Clear Creek Canyon


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Clear Creek Canyon

Clear Creek Canyon offers over a thousand sport climbing routes of all grades. Some of the more popular areas are Canal Zone, Little Eiger, Catslab, Cats vs. Dogs, Other Critters, Highwire crag, among many others.

Important Jeffco Park Use Updates Jan-Dec 2025:
  • All users of Jeffco parks (both free trips and paid for courses) must carry with them a copy of the CMC-Jeffco Permit or a yellow permit tag 
  • The permit can be found at this link
  • Permit tags can be picked up at the CMC Basecamp office (T-Th 10am-6pm) 
  • ONLY ONE GROUP may use a trail system at a time. Group size is limited to 14 participants, including guides/instructors. 
  • A trail system includes that entire area of that park - ie, if a group begins a hike on the east side of North Table, another group may not hold another hike on the west side of North Table.
  • Blackout dates - No CMC trips may take place on the following dates: 
    • Memorial Day Weekend - May 24-26; Father’s Day – June 15;  Juneteenth – June 19; Independence Day Weekend – July 4-6; Labor Day Weekend – Aug 30-Sept 1 

From Mountain Project: 

Clear Creek Canyon (CCC) is aptly situated along Clear Creek, just west of Golden. The canyon is most well known for its accessible wealth of sport climbs, with some trad climbs interspersed. The rock varies here from gneiss & schist to a sandy granite, relatively solid but much different and perhaps more unique than the gray sweeps of Boulder Canyon.

While the individual areas here tend to be specialized with regard to the route type and difficulty, the canyon as a whole has a variety of ratings. Beginners should look into the High Wire Crag, Catslab, Little Eiger, Red Slab, and The Canal Zone while excellent difficult routes abound from the Primo Wall, Wall of the Nineties, Anarchy Wall, The River Wall, and New River formation. Clear Creek also offers some nice winter climbing options such as the Red Slab and the Dog House.

Check the list of approved crags by Jefferson County: 

https://www.jeffco.us/4074/Fixed-Hardware

  • Suitable Activities: Climbing
  • Climbing Category: Crag Rock Climb
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Land Manager: Jefferson County Open Space
  • Parking Permit Required: Other
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 14
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 14
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