Mines SRC Rock Wall
Come climb with the ORC! We host clinics, classes, and competitions at the SRC Rock Wall and outdoors around Golden.
Bouldering is open anytime the SRC is open. See upcoming hours on our Facilities Hours page.
Top rope and lead climbing are only permitted during Supervised Hours:
No supervised hours this summer
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Sign Up for a Climbing Clinic
The ORC hosts clinics throughout the year to teach different climbing styles, techniques, and skills. To learn more and register at RecSportsStore.mines.edu.
Rock Wall Gear Rentals
Don't have your own gear? Rec Sports members can check out items on a daily basis at the SRC front desk. Items must be returned before leaving the SRC.
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| Shoes: $2 |
Harness: $2 |
Belay Device : $1 |
Gear Up Pass: $50 |
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Includes climbing shoes, harness, and belay device.
Valid for one semester or entire summer. |
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The Climbing Community at Mines
Climb Together Nights
Every Thursday during the Fall and Spring semester, the ORC hosts Climb Together Nights. During the session, the rock wall and equipment are reserved, and 2 Mines clubs are invited, paired, and climb together. It's a great way to meet new people across campus!
Creative Climbing Buddies
Ask the ORC front desk about Creative Climbing Buddies - where two Orediggers are paired and meet regularly to climb together and learn new skills from each other.
Clubs at Mines
While not offered through the ORC, consider joining a club while at Mines! The Mines Climbing Team offers a supportive community for climbers to grow through competition. The Mines Apline Club connects students that love mountain and outdoor sports. Visit the SAIL website to learn more and connect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do to climb at the rock wall?
Sign in at the SRC front desk. You may need to complete a waiver, if you haven't already. You can then head to the rock wall, tap in with your Blastercard, and start climbing. Bouldering is open whenever the SRC is open.
To top rope or lead climb during supervised hours, you must first pass our OUR Belay Test - which you can take during the first half of staffed hours (5PM-7:30PM, Monday-Thursday during the Fall/Spring semester). To pass, you will need to demonstrate mastery of: the figure-8 follow through knot, all proper climbing communication, and the climber/belayer safety check. You must use the P.B.U.S. (pull, brake, under, slide) belay method.
Do I need to have my own climbing gear?
Nope! You are welcome to use your own gear if you have it, or you can rent shoes, harnesses, and belays from the SRC front desk.
How often is the wall reset?
Our team resets a section of the week each week on Sunday mornings. The bouldering wall is typically completely reset 2-3 times per semester, and the lead/top rope routes 1 time per semester.
How do grades work?
The taped hold colors at the start of each bouldering routes corresponds to different grades, ranging from V0 (least difficult) to V8+ (most difficult) See the hung chart at the rock wall for guidance.
How can I learn to belay or learn other climbing skills?
We offer a varity of clinics, from top rope and lead belaying to anchor building to trad climbing. Check the ORC front desk, monthly posters, or RecSportsStore.Mines.edu for dates. Our staff are also happy to answer any questions or show you some new skills during supervised hours.
Do you do outdoor climbing?
Yes! We offer climbing trips every semester - no experience or gear necessary. Sign up for upcoming trips at RecSportsStore.Mines.edu
How old do I have to be in order to climb?
You must be at leas 16 years to climb, and have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver if you are under 18.
What's up with the bouldering rock outside the ORC?
Right outside the ORC on the west side of the building, we have an outdoor boulder available to climb. Visit the ORC front during open hours to rent a crash pad.
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Have a Minute? Learn a New Skill!
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Questions? Call the ORC at 303-273-3184 or email the ORC Director, Austin Dyer, at adyer@mines.edu
