Rock Climbing · Palisade, CO

Ponyboy Arete

moderateSpring climbing conditions. Route may be wet after rainfall. Check weather forecast before climbing.

Directions

Before you go

Live · nearest station Grand Junction, 10 mi

Good to go

Good window today. Daylight to 8:16 pm.

96°

Partly Sunny

Feels like 96°

Trailhead temp

93° est. at 5,415 ft

Storm chance

2% afternoon

Wind

5 mph NW

UV index

7.5 high

Sun window

6:21 am to 8:16 pm

Gunnison River near Grand Junction is running 577 cfs, water 74°.

Distance

—

Elevation gain

54ft

High point

5,469ft

Season

Jan - Dec

About

Ponyboy Arete is a rock climbing destination located near Palisade, Colorado, on the Western Slope. The site sits at an elevation of 5,415 feet and offers moderate difficulty routes suitable for climbers with some experience. The area is accessible year-round, from January to December, and provides on-site parking. Pets are permitted at the site. Climbing options include sport, trad, and boulder routes. Specific grades range from V-easy boulders to 5.12+ trad and sport climbs, with Ponyboy Arete itself listed as a 5.8- route. The site features various subcrags and walls, including Horsehead Rock, Mikey's Island, and Jewel of the Nile Wall. Recent content notes a Critical Gold Mountain Fire with evacuation orders in effect, which may impact access depending on the specific zone. The climbing area is part of Palisade Mountain, which contains multiple subcrags such as Saddle Tower, 420 Wall, and Jungle Wall.

Trail profile

Gain

54 ft

Avg grade

—

Steepest

—

High point

5,469 ft

Good to know

Parking at the trailhead

Dogs allowed on leash

Waypoints

1Approach Start5,415 ft

2Climbing Route5,469 ft

Latest trail reportgood

Spring climbing conditions. Route may be wet after rainfall. Check weather forecast before climbing.

Reported Mar 3, 2025Verified

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Within 30 miles

Nearby spots

DifficultIn Season

5,112'

4 hr