One day to boulder near Denver

[alexandra]

Hi all,

I am going to be in Denver in two weeks (for a job interview!!!) and have a full day to spare to go bouldering around the area. I found some threads here that mostly mention good sport climbing options, but I was wondering if anyone has recommendations on where to pend a day bouldering within a couple of hours (at most) driving from Denver. Preferably a crag that has a bunch of options in the V4-V6 range.

thanks and let me know if anyone is interested in meeting up and bouldering together (I will be there Sunday Feb 5).

[aikibujin]

Denver? That's like... right in my backyard! Unfortunately, the better places for bouldering (RMNP, Mt. Evans, Guanella Pass, etc) are all pretty snowy this time of the year. Morrison is probably the closest option. It's a local's favorite for after work sessions when the days are longer, so everything tends to be well climbed and probably a bit sandbagged. Three Sisters is just a little further up the mountains, I'd recommend it over Morrison because it's in a nice park. However, I'm not sure how much snow is on the ground this time of the year since it is higher in elevation. But it's practically in Mark's backyard, so maybe he can update you on the conditions.

A little further away from Denver, Flagstaff near Boulder is supposed to have some good bouldering, although I've never been so I can't tell you much about it. Carter Lake is a good winter bouldering spot. In fact, one of the classic V5 here called Kahuna Roof can only be tried in winter because it's underwater in the warmer months. But I don't know if I would call it a classic, it was the most infuriating problem I have flailed on. I was so traumatized by that problem, I'm still not sure if I'll ever go back and try it again.

A little closer to me is Castlewood Canyon State Park. Although it's only 5 minutes away from my house, I've only been there three times in four years. I find the rock there really rough, it will eat your skin for breakfast. But the Berthoud Cave area could be a good place to go hang out and trash your skin in a couple of hours, when everything else in the front range is under a layer of snow.

[scojo]

Flagstaff/Flatirons might be the only place I've bouldered in Colorado. If you end up there, I'd recommend Hagan's Wall (V5).

[srossabi42]

i really like the bouldering in morrison, problems there can be pretty beta dependent but there is usually someone out there who can help if you want it. flagstaff/flatirons are cool as well.

[srossabi42]

also should mention most of the problems in morrison are in the sun, flagstaff is pretty sunny, the satellite and ghetto boulders in the flatirons are pretty shady

[ehowell]

Morrison has both a shady side and a sunny side. The Black Hole is great for even burly cold days, but as srossabi42 mentioned, there's tons of beta and eliminates. Although on Sunday, there will probably be a crew of veterans to spray you down. Think Rifle, but bouldering. It's not destination quality, but there are some fun problems. Helicopter is a notoriously sandbagged V5, but excellent.

I really like Three Sisters (beautiful park and good, quiet bouldering), but it can be a little tricky to get around if you've never been. The best winter options are probably around Gilligan's Island/Tortuga for those grades. I get up there in the winter often, so it's definitely still in season, depending on recent snow. You may not see any other climbers there, so I don't know if that's a plus or a minus.

Denver Bouldering Club rents Organic pads for cheap ($10/day I think?).

[alexandra]

Thanks everyone! let me know if any of you want to meet up and climb some rocks with me!