Cathedral Spires

About the Park

The first recorded climber in Cathedral Spires was all the way back in 1924. The main 1,200-foot approach at Cathedral Pinnacle has enticed climbers ever since.

Cathedral Spires Park is home to nesting Peregrine Falcons and is closed to the public seasonally to allow the falcons to fledge. Trails leading to climb sites and hiking trails are mostly steep but offer beautiful views. There is something for everyone in the Cathedral Spires — cragging, multipitch, slabs, cracks, faces, chimney’s and off-widths. If you like traditional climbing, then you will enjoy climbing here. There are too many 4-star routes to list, but Center Route (9+) and Wunsch’s Dihedral (11) are two of the best crack climbs in the state. The approach for all the climbs is a bit grueling, but well worth it.

Expect about an hour-long slog from the parking lot to reach the base. All visitors to Cathedral Spires should confirm with Jefferson County and adhere to all posted signs regarding usage during the spring closure. In addition to respecting this closure, please use established trails through Denver Water Board property to preserve what makes Cathedral Spires special.

Park Information and Trail Map

History

The Spires have a very rich climbing history. The first climb in the Spires was the Ellingwood Chimney, which was first climbed in 1924. Albert Ellingwood drug a rope up the chimney (soloing of course), belayed a couple of friends to the top of the formation, lowered them, then down climbed the route.

The majority of the development in the Spires took place between the late seventies and late eighties. Climbers established routes from the ground up, using bolts only when necessary. In the early days, climbers would drill bolts by hand while smearing desperately on sometimes-tiny stances. Bond funds helped Jefferson County Open Space purchase 240 acres in 2009.

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