Webster calls bouldering the sport of rock climbing on large boulders or low cliffs. Enthusiasts call it a low-stress way to get into your climbing shoes and go no higher than youre willing to fall. Supposedly the first recorded attempts to boulder took place in Fontainebleau in the 1870s. For Durango locals, it probably doesnt matter how, where or when it started as long as no one takes the rocks away. Regarded as world-class bouldering terrain, Durango's Turtle Lake area and the boulders scattered throughout the 176-acre Dalla Mountian Park are proving to be great places to practice the hard moves or take the family out for some easy scrambling. So, if yourre looking for quality rock and dont mind the smell of ponderosa pine, look no further.

A climbers hand appears at the top of a boulder problem near
Turtle Lake. Brian Bromelow traverses a popular boulder at Sailing Hawks. Brian Bromelow traverses a popular boulder at Sailing Hawks. Curdell Brown works his way through a traverse. Brian Bromelow finds some friction while trying to ascend a new
test piece.

 

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows