Colorado · Rock climbing · South Fork

Long Cliff

Long Cliff in Colorado has 9 climbing routes across 8 grades, offering sport and trad options.

9 routes
5.4 – 5.12a
Sport · Trad

Is Long Cliff open right now?

No closures listed

The Forest Service lists no closures for Rio Grande National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Rio Grande National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit Long Cliff

Best months: June–July and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    34° / -2°

    4 wet

  2. Feb

    38° / 1°

    4 wet

  3. Mar

    45° / 11°

    5 wet

  4. Apr

    53° / 20°

    4 wet

  5. May

    62° / 28°

    4 wet

  6. Jun

    74° / 34°

    6 wet

  7. Jul

    79° / 41°

    12 wet

  8. Aug

    76° / 40°

    14 wet

  9. Sep

    70° / 33°

    9 wet

  10. Oct

    59° / 23°

    5 wet

  11. Nov

    47° / 11°

    4 wet

  12. Dec

    35° / 0°

    4 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Hermit 8 Se, CO, 21.9 mi away at 8,949 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Long Cliff is a climbing area in the Divide Ranger District of the Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among a cluster of other climbing spots and trails, so it works well as a base for a day of bouldering or a longer outing in the district. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 79°F with lows near 41°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-30s and lows drop to near zero. Lake Fork is a hike just 0.3 miles away, and Little Black Cliff and Big Meadows are climbing areas within a mile. Shaw Lake Loop, a hike about 1.3 miles off, rounds out the options close by.

Routes (9)

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