Colorado rock climbing route information on Independence Pass

Aspen Attractions :: Independance Pass Climbing Routes

Route Details: Lower Grotto Wall | The Second Grotto Wall

The following information is provided through excerpts from
Heinous Cling: A Climbers Guide to Independence Pass, by Andre Wille

Independence Pass has long been a very active climbing area. The first routes were put up in the late 1950's, and are now over 35 years old. During the 60's (and 70's) Harvey T. Carter was responsible for an amazing number of new routes throughout the area. In the 70's, a number of well known climbers were active on the pass putting up new lines and freeing old aid lines. Activity during this period was brisk and many of the routes were on the cutting edge of difficulty for the time. The 80's saw a decrease in activity, as most of the lines which accepted natrual pro or even pins, had already been plucked. In the late 80's, however, yet another transformation in climbing on the pass occurred, as it did throughout the country. With the advent of the cordless drill and better bolts, the previously blank faces on the area crags now became possible. Today, new route activity is as rapid as ever...

Climbing routes of Independence Pass, east of Aspen, Colorado.
The inset area detailing the Grotto climbs near Lincoln Creek can be seen below .

The climbing routes at the Grotto Walls are featured on this website. You can view
the Lower Grotto Wall or the Second Grotto Wall route maps to plan your climbing adventure.

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