East Winds, Rain

About

East Winds, Rain is a 90-foot sport climb located on a big, sunny wall in Rifle Mountain Park, Rifle, Colorado. The route sits on the left side of two face/slab routes, positioned between the Lower Tier and Skull Cave. It is rated difficult, specifically noted as 5.12c, offering thin, sequential climbing that contrasts with the area's typical jug-heavy routes. The wall faces slightly downcanyon and receives full sun from noon onward, so arriving early is necessary to avoid heat and glare. Access requires parking at designated areas within Rifle Mountain Park and purchasing a daily or season entry pass. From the parking area, climbers scramble up and left through loose scree to reach a ledge system at the base of the wall. Two options exist for anchoring: a lower ledge that is wide but lacks anchors, or a higher, smaller ledge equipped with a one-bolt anchor. To access either ledge, a 60-meter rope is mandatory; tying a knot in the end of the rope is advised to prevent descending into the scree field 25 feet below if the rope is short. The route requires 10 to 12 quickdraws. The climb begins on the left side of a concave face, progressing up increasingly steep but not overly difficult terrain. At approximately three-quarters height, the route enters a grey bowl featuring funky moves that cross the bowl and gain a grey streak, leading to jugs and the final anchors. The route is relatively new with little traffic, so expect crispy-crunchy foot jibs. It offers views of the canyon. The area is pet-friendly, and dogs are permitted under standard park regulations. The elevation is 5,550 feet.