Climbing The Naked Edge: A Razor-Sharp Adventure in Eldorado Canyon

The Naked Edge is no ordinary climb—it’s a crucible of endurance, precision, and courage. Rising 600 feet from the heart of Eldorado Canyon, this 5.11b route commands the respect of climbers worldwide, offering a journey through cracks, overhangs, and exposed ridges that leave no room for error.

The approach feels like the opening act of a grand performance. The trail winds along the canyon’s cliffs, the rush of South Boulder Creek a distant symphony of power. When the Naked Edge comes into view, it’s impossible not to pause. The route’s sheer face and sharp ridges seem to whisper both challenge and invitation.

The climb begins with confidence-building crack systems, easing you into the flow of movement and gear placement. But by the third pitch, the Naked Edge reveals its true character. The crux—a delicate finger crack suspended high above the canyon floor—demands precision and unwavering focus. The exposure is breathtaking, the wind tugging at your gear as the sandstone demands your best.

Each pitch grows in complexity and beauty. The fifth pitch, a knife-edge traverse, requires careful balance and the courage to trust holds that feel impossibly small. The final stretch to the summit feels surreal, the canyon opening up below you in a panorama of golden cliffs and endless sky.

Standing atop the Naked Edge, you’re part of a rarefied world. The wind calms, the adrenaline fades, and the sense of accomplishment settles in—a reminder that the greatest climbs are about more than summits; they’re about the journey through fear and focus to something extraordinary.

Adventure Guide to the Naked Edge

Where: Eldorado Canyon State Park, near Boulder, Colorado.
Route Details:
- Grade: 5.11b Trad
- Length: 600 feet (6 pitches)
- Gear: Double rack of cams, nuts, slings, and a 70m rope. Helmets are a must.
- Highlights: The exposed crux on pitch 3 and the airy traverse along the edge are unforgettable.
Descent: A series of rappels returns climbers to the canyon floor.

Directions: From Boulder, take CO-93 south to CO-170 and follow signs to Eldorado Springs. The approach trail starts from the main parking lot and leads to the route base.

Climbing the Naked Edge isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about rising to meet the edge of your own limits.

Adventure Map

Boulder Info

No GPX info

Reviews

Yan Ying Lima year ago

Inclined hike, the bridge is not the hotel checkpoint! Bridge is almost the start of the hike! To hike to Crag's hotel took my breath, not too much of a trouble if you have longer feet. It is fairly common to see people take stops and rest along the trail. Not a crowded trail, however I would recommend hiking to the Continental Divide Outlook instead of just the hotel. It's WAY more rewarding at the outlook post and that should be your highlight of the hike. Here are some photos throughout the hike. I did not do the loop (no loop pictures) because that's my limit! I took me around 1-2 hours in-and-out. I like just how swift I could cover Fowler trail and this trail in less than 2.5 hours.

Lisa Fostera year ago

I tracked 4.5 miles, we meandered in the ruins and took the short route to the divide lookout and the long way around back down to the ruins. At the ruins my tracker said 1.43 miles so it seemed in line with the posting, but the loop says .8 miles but it was 1.5.. Not sure what we did but the trip up is a bit of an incline and rubbily rocky which was not bad and a good steady pace got you up and back in under 2 hours, we did not rush.

John Ja year ago

Loved this hike - 2.9 miles and 700 feet of elevation gain. It takes about 2 hours. You travel through coniferous forest and have terrific views of Eldorado Canyon. 2/3 of the way through you can see the ruins of the Crag Hotel. A scenic lookout of the Continental Divide is at the end - awesome views from there both East and West. You can also spot the California Zephyr traveling through the mountains. I saw turkeys and mule deer on the trail. Beautiful wildflowers as well.

The Traveling Beara month ago

This trail involves a bit of elevation gain and is pretty much all uphill to the viewpoint. Totally worth the effort though! It took us about 2 hours to complete (with multiple water breaks). There’s a good mix of shade and direct sun. The views of the canyon are spectacular! You also pass the old Crags Hotel. There’s not much left to it, but it’s still cool to see/read about. There’s limited parking at the trailhead – get here early! Easy access to the Fowler Trail from here, I recommend adding it onto your hike.

Jenn Graya year ago

A great trail! About 1.2 miles with 600 ft elevation, to the ruins of the Crag hotel, then an optional 0.8 loop with another 400 ft elevation, to a beautiful sight of the divide. The trail is rocky but not overly challenging, with some shaded parts. Took us about 2.5 hours with several stops. Make sure to take enough water!

Climbing

Climbing The Naked Edge: A Razor-Sharp Adventure in Eldorado Canyon