Rock Climbing · Palisade, CO
The Sword of Damocles
Before you go
Live · nearest station Grand Junction, 12 miGood window today. Daylight to 8:14 pm.
Partly Cloudy
Feels like 77°
Storm chance
3% overnight
Wind
5 mph S
UV index
0 low
Sun window
6:22 am to 8:14 pm
Gunnison River near Grand Junction is running 604 cfs, water 73°.
Distance
—
Elevation gain
20ft
High point
5,197ft
Season
Jan - Dec
About
The Sword of Damocles is a short, moderate trad climb located on the Western Slope near Palisade, Colorado. The route is a 50-foot crack climb characterized by a splitter finger-to-hand crack that transitions into a steep finger and hand crack before reaching the anchors. The name derives from the climbing conditions: a large, loose flake sits wedged in the crack just above the established bolted anchor, creating a hazard for those who continue upward. Climbers are advised to stop at the current anchor rather than attempting to free the flake. The climb requires a light rack of cams (BD #0.4 to #2) and nuts. It is situated on the leftmost section of a rock outcropping on the right side of a south-facing wall. Parking is available at the base, and pets are permitted. The elevation is listed as 5,197 feet in the database, though some sources cite 7,527 feet. The route is accessible year-round.
Trail profile
Gain
20 ft
Avg grade
—
Steepest
—
High point
5,197 ft
Good to know
Parking at the trailhead
Dogs allowed on leash
Waypoints
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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