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Colorado · Rock Climbing
Naturita sits in a corner of western Colorado that most Front Range climbers overlook, which is exactly why the locals who do know it keep coming back.
18 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 18 spots
Naturita sits in a corner of western Colorado that most Front Range climbers overlook, which is exactly why the locals who do know it keep coming back. The area's 18 listed routes and boulder problems split between roped climbing and bouldering, with named crags like Atomic Energy Crag and Ray Motel Boulders anchoring the scene. Roped routes like Pick Pocket, Rancho Deluxe, China Syndrome, Finger Fusion, Mushroom Cloud, and Pocket Change suggest a wall character that rewards technical finger work and pocket pulling rather than pure power. The bouldering circuit is equally developed, with problems ranging from the straightforwardly named to the deliberately absurd — Christy Boner, Johnny Potsmoker, Chinese Food Mind Games, and We're Not Guys, We're Hot Chicks among them. That naming culture tells you something about the vibe: this is a community-built area with a sense of humor, not a manicured destination resort. Naturita's high desert setting means the rock dries fast after rain and the shoulder seasons — spring and fall — are typically the most comfortable windows for climbing. Summer midday heat pushes most people to early morning starts or evening sessions, and winter can be climbable on south-facing walls during clear stretches.
The area offers both roped rock climbing and bouldering. Roped routes include Pick Pocket, Rancho Deluxe, Atomic Test Site, China Syndrome, Finger Fusion, Mushroom Cloud, and Pocket Change, while the bouldering circuit is extensive, with problems spread across areas like Ray Motel Boulders. Atomic Energy Crag is a listed climbing area that appears to host roped routes based on the route names associated with it.
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable seasons. Summer temperatures in this high desert region can make midday climbing uncomfortable or unsafe, so early morning starts are common from June through August. Winter climbing is possible during clear, dry stretches, particularly on south-facing walls, but conditions vary week to week.
Christy Boner
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Ray Motel Boulders
~0 min drive
Colorado bouldering area with varied problems for multiple skill levels.
Pick Pocket
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Johnny Potsmoker
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Atomic Energy Crag
~0 min drive
Colorado climbing crag with varied routes and accessible rock.
Pocket Change
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Smoky McPot
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Open Range
~16 min drive
Accessible Colorado climbing with a mix of routes in an open setting.
Finger Fusion
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
We're Not Guys, We're Hot Chicks.
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Wall of The Ancients
~16 min drive
Colorado crag offering diverse climbing on solid rock formations.
Rancho Deluxe
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Bouldering
Naturita, Colorado
Rock climbing
Naturita, Colorado
Bouldering
Naturita, Colorado
Rock climbing
Naturita, Colorado
Bouldering
Naturita, Colorado
Rock climbing
Naturita, Colorado
Rock climbing
Naturita, Colorado
Rock climbing
Naturita, Colorado
Rock climbing
Naturita, Colorado
Bouldering
Naturita, Colorado
Bouldering
Naturita, Colorado
Bouldering
Naturita, Colorado
Bouldering
Naturita, Colorado
Route names like Finger Fusion and Pocket Change hint at technical face climbing that suits intermediate to advanced climbers, and pocket-pulling on steep desert rock generally requires solid finger strength. That said, with 18 listings across both bouldering and roped climbing, there is likely a range of difficulties. If you're a beginner, come with an experienced partner rather than treating this as a learning venue.
For roped climbing, bring a standard sport or trad rack depending on the route — check the specific route details before you go, as the listing data doesn't specify protection style for each line. For bouldering at areas like Ray Motel Boulders, crash pads and a spotter are standard. Sun protection, extra water, and approach shoes matter more here than at alpine crags given the exposed desert terrain.
Naturita's climbing areas are not inside a heavily regulated national park system, but land ownership in western Colorado can be a mix of BLM, private, and state parcels. Confirm current access status for Atomic Energy Crag and Ray Motel Boulders through local climbing organizations or the American Alpine Club's crag finder before your trip, as access agreements can change. Leave no trace practices and respecting any posted closures are expected.