Western Colorado Climbing > Beta > Crystal River Valley > Coal Creek > Sport

Jeff Jackson styles up John Henry.

Coal Creek Sport Climbing

Talk about overlooked! People have been driving by these big red cliffs for years. Jeff Jackson wasted little time when he first came to the valley by adding these sport routes. The rock isn't the best, and can get dirty, espcially after it rains, but the climbing is supposed to be fun when the routes are clean. Be sure to bring a brush.

Currently there are 7 routes. At the roadside wall, there are three lines. The left line that follows the obvious right angling weakness through a roof is Touchdown Jesus, 5.12b. The next line to the right is John Henry, 3-pitches: 12d, 12d, 5.8. The first two pitches can be combined for a long 13a.  There is a line to the right of John Henry, but only the first pitch has been freed at 12b. The second pitch is the business. Jeff calls the line Choctaw.

Four lines are found up the gully on the left side of the crag at the Dog Wall. Hike for about 8 minutes up the gully until you arrive at a 50-foot crag. From left to right, the routes are 5.11, 5.12, 5.10, and 5.11+.

Map of the Cliffs in Coal Creek


View Larger Map