Highway closes following climber fall in Colorado
A climber took a fall in Clear Creek Canyon over the weekend, on November 9, closing down US 6 while technical rescue crews preformed an extraction between US 40 and Colorado 119.
While the condition of the fallen climber was not initially known, the climber was reported to be alert and mobile while on the trip to the hospital. The road reopened following the rescue.
US 6 is open. Thank you for your patience. Outstanding work, as usual, by @AlpineRescue , @ClearCreekEMS and Clear Creek Fire Authority. Patient was alert, mobile and is on the way to a hospital. S1 pic.twitter.com/e5ySw7VXxm — CSP Golden (@CSP_Golden) November 9, 2019
The climber was on “Cat Clab” when the accident occurred, according to the Colorado State Patrol. State Patrol is likely referring to a portion of the Clear Creek Canyon climbing area called “ The Cat Slab” or “Catslab.” The Cat Slab area is home to 19 climbing routes, most of which are sport climbing routes. The specific route the climber was on during the accident was not released.
Clear Creek Canyon is a popular rock climbing area in Colorado, with many of the routes stretching high above the road on surrounding canyon walls. According to Mountain Project, there are 1,129 climbs at the location.
Spencer McKee, of OutThere Colorado, climbs a multi-pitch route in Clear Creek Canyon. As seen in this photo, many of the routes are very accessible in close proximity to the highway below. Photo Credit: Kimberly Saavedra.
Spencer McKee, of OutThere Colorado, climbs a multi-pitch route in Clear Creek Canyon. As seen in this photo, many of the routes are very accessible in close proximity to the highway below. Photo Credit: Kimberly Saavedra.
Thanks goes out to Alpine Rescue Team, Clear Creek EMS, and Clear Creek Fire Authority for their work on the rescue.
Rock climbing is a dangerous and technical sport. If you’re planning to try it out, we recommend utilizing a paid guide and training in a gym setting prior to embarking on an outdoor adventure.