No other climbing route in Colorado is as famous or as sought after as the Bastille Crack. Climbers from all over the world come to Eldorado Canyon State Park to climb this mega classic five pitch trad route. A 30 second approach guards some of the absolute best climbing in North America!

Long before the Bastille Crack was first climbed by U.S. Army Soldiers in the 1950’s, Ivy Baldwin regularly walked a tightrope between the top of the Bastille Formation and neighboring Wind Tower. 582 feet below him, the South Boulder Creek roared as he made the Bastille Formation famous.

While we don’t use the old tightrope anymore, we do climb this incredible formation. A very short hike up the road from the parking area puts you at the base of the Bastille Crack. Pitch one begins right off the road and follows a striking crack system for five pitches of moderate face climbing, hand jamming, and chimneying to a beautiful summit.

This is a great summertime route as it sits in the shade until late in the afternoon. It’s not uncommon for ten or more climbing parties to climb the Bastille Crack in a day – and for a great reason!

More information:

• Recommended experience level: intermediate to advanced
• This is a semi-strenuous climb
• 5 pitches, 5.7