Der Stihl

About

Der Stihl is a sport climbing route in Rifle Mountain Park, located on the Western Slope of Colorado. The route sits at an elevation of 5,376 feet and is classified as difficult. It is a sport climb with fixed protection, typically requiring cable draws. The route begins on the far right side of a limestone wall and features approximately 100 feet of vertical climbing. Climbers encounter multiple cruxes, including a tricky traverse left across grey-streaked stone with pockets and a powerful undercling section. A long headwall extends above the crux to the anchors. The route is part of a link-up known as Squeal to Stihl, which combines Der Squeal and Der Stihl. Rifle Mountain Park offers over 500 sport routes on Leadville Formation limestone, with a high concentration of grades between 5.12 and 5.14. The overhanging nature of the limestone makes grades feel one to two numbers harder than other crags. Parking is available at the base of the climb. The site allows pets. Day passes cost $10. Best climbing conditions occur during spring and fall shoulder seasons, though the area is accessible year-round.