Table Mountain Rock climbing

Description

Sitting above Golden, this popular cliff band faces south & west so it makes for comfortable winter/cold weather rock climbing. Most routes here are tightly bolted and generally short (60 foot range), so a 50m rope and 10 quickdraws will be sufficient for most routes. Toproping routes is easy to do, with quick access to the top and bolts just below the top of the cliffs. Be careful though; the rock at the top can be loose in places. Make sure you're safe when setting up said toprope. There is only a single trail leaving from each of the two parking lots, and it takes an obvious course up the hill to the cliffs above. Walking this trail, beware of rattlesnakes in the summer and fall. At the point where the trail meets the cliff, you are on the far right (east) side of the cliffs. Also, this area sees a lot of use and some anchors are being severly worn by people running topropes directly through anchors. If you plan to toprope, please preserve the resources by using quickdraws or 'biners to run the rope through, and whenever possible rap off rather than lowering through the anchors.

Note, as the years have gone by and the popularity of this area has increased, the rock has become polished in places...amazingly so in spots. In particular, warm days will increase this characteristic and leave the infrequent visitor feeling sandbagged at times. Beware.

The climbing access here has been preserved with an amazing cooperation of landowner (Mr. Peery), city of Golden, and organizations like AMC, RMFI, and the Access Fund. The area straddles land owned by Golden and Jefferson County Open Space. Note, the regulations will vary slightly as you cross properties.

There is a dumpster here; however, consider recycling your cans and bottles rather than filling landfills.

Note, with time & popularity, some of the basalt here is getting quite polished, similar to limestone.

5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Colorado : Golden : ... : Hot Spot Area

Located on the same face as Widespread Shelfishness on the left side, this is about 100' left of the Nine to Five arete. This is my favorite route at Table. You can start directly under the first bolt on a small buttress with a thin, balancy, face move (10b/c?) or you can do the crack to the right which is easier. If you can't reach the bolt from the top of the small buttress, slot a stopper or two behind the flake at your knees. Pull through the sustained crux on th...[more] Browse More Classics in Colorado