Butcher Knife Crags (5.7-5.11b)

Overview

The Butcher Knife Crags are located right in Steamboat Springs Colorado. The climbs are all short, mostly in the 25-40 foot high category, but the rock is good and the climbs are surprisingly fun.

Although the climbs are located in the town, they are in a beautiful nature part, so it doesn't really seem like you are in the town while climbing them.

Sport climbing would probably be frowned upon here, since the anchors would be visible to other park users, but there are plenty of top rope climbs and some climbs that can be lead on gear.

The Butcher Knife Crags consist of three main crags known as Butcher Knife, Grey Face, and East Butcher Knife. Route difficulty on the crags ranges from 5.7 to 5.11b.

If you are in Steamboat Springs and don't have time to head out to the more distant crags, than this is a good place to climb.

Getting There

Driving

Access is very easy. From Highway 40/Lincoln Avenue in Steamboat Springs, turn northeast onto 7th Street. Follow 7th Street until it turns right into Missouri Avenue.

Follow Missouri Avenue East until it makes a sharp left at Stehley Park. Park here as the Butcher Knife Crags are located in the park.



Approach

Enter the park and take the footpath east and across the bridge. Continue on the footpath. You will pass a small outcrop on the right before reaching the main crags. Continue along the main path to the crags.

Butcher Knife is the first crag you reach on the left.

Grey Face is the first Crag you reach on the right.

East Butcher Knife (I don't know if this has another name) is the second crag you reach on the right.

All of these crags are only a few minutes from the trailhead.

Routes Overview

Routes are listed left to right.

Butcher Knife





Grey Face





East Butcher Knife

Red Tape

Sport routes are probably not a good idea since the climbs are in a park and since they anchors will be too visible.

There is no real red tape, but tread very lightly and carefully here as any damage to the area will result in the closure of climbing in the park.

When to Climb

The climbs do get shade in the mornings and evenings, depending on exposure so summer climbing is possible.

If going in Spring, wait until the area dries out as you don't want to be tromping around in the mud, which will damage the area. By early May, things should be fairly dry except after rain and snow storms.

Fall is an excellent time to climb here.

Camping

There are many campgrounds in Routt National Forest in the vicinity of Steamboat Springs, but none in the immediate vicinity.

Steamboat Springs has a KOA as well:

Steamboat Springs KOA

Mountain Conditions

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEATHER FORECAST

Below is the National Weather Service Climate Summary of Steamboat Springs. The data is from 1908-2016. The climbs are located in Steamboat Springs.

External Links

Butcher Knife on Mountain Project

Images

View Butcher Knife Crags (5.7-5.11b) Image Gallery - 9 Images