Located in Central Colorado, the Gunnison Area is a large draw for rock climbing and other outdoor activities. Named for the explorer, John W. Gunnison, the area first drew miners in search of gold in the late 1870’s. Cattle ranching became king in the 1880’s, as rail lines reached the Gunnison Valley and local farmers discovered that the short growing season was more suited to cattle. Today, Gunnison continues to be rich ranch country, with outdoor activities and the resulting tourist trade being the foundation for the 21st century.
West of Gunnison is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, deep and narrow with with routes as long as 2,000 feet. Hartman Rocks is a multi-use area administered by the BLM, the City of Gunnison, and Gunnison County. Bike, hike, camp, bouldering, and traditional climbing are all part of the Hartman Rocks experience. Taylor Canyon has options which include rock climbing, camping, paddling, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. If the Harmel’s Area of Taylor Canyon is crowded, a short drive to Spring Creek (which drains into the Taylor River), has fewer folks along with nice walls, towers, and crags to explore. Thinking of a degree in Recreation and Outdoor Recreation, Western State Colorado University in Gunnison is a large draw for students invested in outdoor activity. Looking for a wide variety of climbing options, Gunnison is worth the investigation for a Colorado Climb.
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Alpine Tunnel, Palisades Rock Climbing: 0 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Apline-Runnel-Route-by-Ken-Trout-CO-a-300x209.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: Alpine Tunnel, Palisades Rock Climbing
Black Canyon of the Gunnison: 126 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Curecanti-Needle-CO-300x200.jpg)
Westerncooutdoors.com: Black Canyon Rock Climbing
Mountainproject.com: Black Canyon Rock Climbing
Blue Mesa Inlet Rock Climbing: 3 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/105905631_medium_1494058602-300x219.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: Blue Mesa Inlet Rock Climbing
The Castles Rock Climbing: 0 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/30650-300x225.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: The Castles Rock Climbing
Cement Creek Rock Climbing: 16 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Cement-Creek-CO-300x169.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: Cement Creek Rock Climbing
Gate View Canyon Rock Climbing: 18 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/107249258_large_1494176287-225x300.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: Gate View Rock Climbing
God’s Crag Rock Climbing: 26 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Gods-Crag-Climbing-CO-300x223.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: God’s Crag Rock Climbing
Hartman Rocks Rock Climbing: 177 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-Corridor-CO-300x225.jpg)
Westerncooutdoors.com: Hartman Rocks Rock Climbing
Mountainproject.com: Hartman Rocks Rock Climbing
Lamphier Lake Area Rock Climbing: 1 Route
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamphier-Lake-Rock-Climbing-CO-225x300.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: Lamphier Lake Area Rock Climbing
Lost Canyon Bouldering: 12 Routes
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Mountainproject.com: Lost Canyon Bouldering
The Point, Powderhorn (aka Indian Creek) Rock Climbing: 15 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/106569719_medium_1494121284-300x200.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: The Point, Powderhorn (aka Indian Creek) Rock Climbing
Real Lost Canyon Bouldering: 17 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Real-Lost-Canyon-Bouldering-CO-300x212.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: Real Lost Canyon Bouldering
Sac Snag Tower Rock Climbing: 1 Route
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Sac-Snag-Tower-Climbing-CO-300x225.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: Sac Snag Tower Rock Climbing (Hwy 92 Cliff Band Rock Climbing)
Spring Creek: 26 Routes
![](https://westerncooutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Spring-Creek-CO-186x300.jpg)
Mountainproject.com: Spring Creek Rock Climbing
Willow Creek Bouldering: 10 Routes
Travel east from Gunnison on Highway 50, at Parlin take the turnoff to Ohio City (Road 76). There is a gate on the left side of the road as you reach Ohio City (the first section of this road is private, please respect the property owner, follow this road until seeing the public lands sign. Once on public lands, the boulder area will be obvious.