Likely dry

Why

• No measurable rain at any of 5 gauges within 4 mi in the last 72 h.
• Rain chance peaks at 6% in the next 12 h.

Rain gauges

Bars show hourly rain over the last 72 h. Tap a gauge to see its full record on MesoWest.

Local guidance

Park rule Park rules: no climbing when the rock is wet, and no chalk or chalk substitutes of any kind (since March 2021). Climbing needs a free city permit, scrambling is not allowed, and some formations have seasonal closures. Colorado Springs climbing permit ↗

• Rock Lyons Sandstone
• Group Fragile when wet: red for 48 h after rain, caution to 72 h (96 h in winter)

Garden of the Gods on Mountain Project ↗Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance ↗

Is it actually dry?

Field checks before you tie in

• Is the sand at the base dry? It dries before the rock does; damp sand means wet rock.
• Are the trail and the ground at the cliff base dry? If not, don't climb.
• Look for dark damp patches, moisture behind flakes and inside cracks, and fresh sand on holds.
• Shaded walls, spots under trees and grooves that channel water stay wet much longer.
• Sun and wind dry rock fast; cloudy, calm, humid days slow it down, and winter drying is slow.
• After long, soaking rain the rock can stay wet inches deep. Give it extra time.
• If any part of the route, base included, is wet, pick another climb.
• Not sure? Climb rock that isn't affected by rain, like limestone or granite, until it dries.

Learn more

• Rock climbing permit ↗ by City of Colorado SpringsThe free permit every climber needs in Garden of the Gods.
• Garden of the Gods: park info and closures ↗ by City of Colorado SpringsCurrent seasonal climbing closures and park rules.
• How to Assess Sandstone After Rain or Snow ↗ by Access FundWhy western sandstone can lose up to 75% of its strength when wet, and how long to wait after rain or snow.

Thank you

• Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance

  For promoting sustainable use of Colorado Springs climbing areas and protecting access.

  Facebook ↗Instagram ↗

• Access Fund

  For keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment across the country.

  Access Fund is the national climbing advocacy nonprofit. It works alongside local climbing organizations, like the coalitions thanked on each area page, on access, stewardship and education, including how long to wait after rain.

  How to assess sandstone after rain ↗

• Weather data

  Rain gauges via Synoptic Data (MesoWest) from public and private weather networks. Forecasts from the National Weather Service. Model estimates from Open-Meteo when gauges go quiet.