Climbing At Canal Zone

Today we were able to go to the Canal Zone in Clear Creek Canyon.  We took out a guy from work on his first climbing experience.  There was four total people in our group; me, Heather, Joe and Matt.

The Canal Zone is a beginners climber mecca due to the large number of moderate sport routes (right up there with High Wire Crag only an easier approach).  We arrived with one other group at 7:30 and by the time we left at 11:30 every single route had people on it. 

Due to the crowds and the added people in our group we ended up only hitting 2 routes.  I led the routes first both times and then we had Heather and Matt top rope and Joe lead and clean the route.  As an added bonus I got to hang out in my harness for a long time while I chilled at the anchors with my camera.  It is a nice change of pace to get some pictures from the top down instead of just butt shots.  I do wish I had a longer lens though (really need the 70-300 so I can focus on the subject at further distances).

So the first route that we got on is called Ripple (5.8).  It is a very easy route that has 2 hardish moves at the start.  Everyone sent the route very nicely.  It was very interesting to hang out at the anchors and take pictures, it really put a whole new perspective on the routes and how people attack them differently.  I had no issues with the route, although having the camera slung over the shoulder made balancing a bit interesting.  Matt climbed it as his first route ever.  He did a good job but made the typical rookie mistakes.  He didn't find his feet, pumped his arms, clung onto the rock for dear life...  Heather then cruised up the route as it is one of her favorites in Colorado (also the only route she has led out here).  Lastly Joe lead it while Heather belayed. 

The second route we did is called Venice Beach (5.8). It went the same as Ripple.  This route has a much easier start but a few interesting moves in the middle as you go through the slab section. 

We also met some pretty cool people while out there and I passed on some pictures to them that I snapped while they climbed. 

The last thing is that the Canal Zone is so crowded on a weekend.  We really wanted to get on this sweet 5.9 that is there but like I mentioned the place was super crowed and it just couldn't happen today.

Here are some of the best pictures:


This is a view from the top while I wait for everyone to come my way.

Matt with a grimace on the face as he pulls up the route (use the feet!)

Matt is almost finished as he makes it through the last move.

Heather knows the score as she looks for those feet.

She wishes she could just jump for me...

I think she needs to tighten up that helmet a bit...looking a little crooked.

Joe on an easy section, look at that high foot.

Joe pulling to the finish.

Joe, smooth as ever...or something.

Until the next adventure!