Clear Creek’s Cat Slab Will Reopen

The Cat Slab, a closed crag in Clear Creek Canyon that once was very popular for its moderate, bolt-protected routes, will see a second life thanks to a deal worked out between Clear Creek County and the landowner. Here’s today’s announcement from the Access Fund, one of the groups that worked on the deal:

“After months of negotiation, Clear Creek County successfully acquired the 76-acre Oxbow Parcel that contains the Cat Slab cliff, located south of U.S. Highway 6 near Tunnel 5. Cat Slab boasts some of the only moderate routes in Clear Creek Canyon and was a popular crag to bring beginners before it was closed to the public in 2006 due to liability concerns.The county purchased the land using $725,000 in lottery funds, awarded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). The county was supported by numerous recreational groups, including the Access Fund, Colorado Mountain Club, Colorado Whitewater, Trout Unlimited, International Mountain Bicycling Association, and Rafting Outfitters on Clear Creek.

While the cliff line is protected, the area is not officially open to the public until the county develops and implements a site plan to provide safe, off-road parking, which may include shifting the guard rail and gate to provide more parking.

The county is interested in climber input on the development of parking, trails, and possible toilet facilities. Please contact Joe Sambataro at the Access Fund to get involved in the planning process.”