Rock Climber Dies in Colorado’s Cheyenne Canyon

A climber died Monday in Cheyenne Canyon, a popular rock climbing area in Colorado. The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) received a call around 10:15 a.m. on Monday about a climber who had fallen and was stranded approximately 30 metres off the ground.

CSFD said the experienced climber was using ropes and safety gear and was climbing with a partner, who was below him on the ground. He fell approximately 15 metres. Rescuers approached the climber from above and rappelled down. The man had died from injuries before rescuers arrived.

Crews were able to recover the body later Monday afternoon. N Cheyenne Canyon Rd was blocked near Helen Hunt Falls while crews worked. No further information is available at this time. The investigation into the climber’s death continues.

Cheyenne Canyon is a narrow gorge formed by the North Cheyenne Creek near Mount Almagre. The creek drops over Helen Hunt Falls below the canyon’s granite walls. There are a number of sport and trad routes, and the odd ice climb. One of the most often-climbed routes is The Army Route, a four-pitch 5.5 on the Pinnacle.