CCl radical has been observed from 280 to 410 nm by resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy. Transitions from the ground state to Rydberg states are observed in the range of 40 000–70 000 cm−1, and to the previously known A 2Δ state at 36 000 cm−1. The states display short vibrational progressions with spacings of 1100 cm−1, which is similar to the ion vibrational frequency. Vibrational progressions are observed in a number of Rydberg states and the origins are assigned by isotope shifts and hot band analysis. From two of these Rydberg states an ionization potential is estimated to be 8.83±0.01 eV.