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Climb – Climbing Routes in Clear Creek Canyon

Cats and Dogs wall fun sport/top-rope trip

Eric Gerber Eric Gerber
October 14, 2022
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • Accessing the wall is an easy 5 minute hike from the parking area. In general, it's in great condition. There can be a few scramble paths up the last hundred yards that require attention and care to minimize erosion and overall impact to the area.

This was a great trip. The 'Cats and Dogs' wall is located at the West end of the canyon about 30 minutes from the CMC Golden HQ. Details of parking, approach and climbs are accurately represented in the guidebook by Kevin Capps, Rock Climbing Clear Creek Canyon (3rd edition). Carpooling is a wise choice especially during popular days/times. 

This day, the weather in Denver/Golden was foggy cold and misty-rainy all day. However, amazingly, once we reached the crag, it was the west side of the weather front with blue skies, dry rock and beautiful temperatures! So the weather, like most of Colorado, can vary extremely even in such short distances. Pack accordingly.

Alex (new trip leader) and Jerry (mega-experienced leader, climber and instructor) led our group of five climbers (7 total) with amazing planning, solid communications, safety first-and-foremost, and a sustained welcoming and encouraging motivational dynamic for all variety of abilities. Some smart extra gear provided by the leaders included a long stick clip, a portable stick clip, and two stiffy quickdraws. All were welcome backups, and helped leaders' courage, but none we're needed in the end.

We had a great time trading leads and belays on five different single pitch routes 5.7 - 5.8s, and one 10. Then leaders kept top ropes up for all to enjoy. All got along really well - sharing encouragement, knowledge and laughs! Good times!