Blacking Out the Friction

About

Blacking Out the Friction is a rock climbing area in Montrose, Colorado, located at an elevation of 5,078 feet. The site offers moderate difficulty routes suitable for climbers with some experience. Parking is available on site, and the area is pet friendly. While specific route counts for this exact spot are not detailed in the provided data, it sits within a region known for diverse climbing options. The broader Montrose area features the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which hosts 145 known multi-pitch traditional routes ranging from moderate to extreme difficulty. The Black Canyon's peak climbing season runs from mid-April to mid-June and late August to early November. A free wilderness use permit is required for inner canyon activities, including climbing, and can be obtained at the North Rim Ranger Station or South Rim Visitor Center. Nearby, the Dry Creek Climbing Area, located about 15 miles west of Montrose, provides sandstone sport routes with heights between 30 to 50 feet. This area is accessible year-round and offers a mix of slabs, cracks, and face climbing. The Black Canyon is noted for its depth, with Warner Point plunging 2,722 feet and the Painted Wall standing as Colorado's tallest vertical wall at 2,250 feet. Climbers in the region can expect to spend approximately four hours on routes. The area is considered less crowded than Front Range climbing destinations, offering a more secluded experience.