Durango is a mid-sized western town in southwest Colorado with a variety of local rock climbing. For a good pump on some steep limestone, check out the sport climbing at the Golf Wall. If you think trad is rad, make a trip to East Animas and don't miss the Watch Crystal. It is one of the finest pieces of stone in the area. All you "pad-people", want to boulder? There is plenty of that as well. Turtle Lake has a variety of boulders, is close to town, and is easy to find. Beginners can enjoy top-roping at X-Rock, where there are plenty of friendly routes. If you prefer something a little more obscure, try exploring the Hermosa cliffs. Lemon Reservoir should not be missed either. It is one of the newer crags in the area where you can find quality sport, gear, or mixed lines. Your best bet for information on climbing in the area is to pick up a copy of "Durango Sandstone" at any of the climbing shops in town.
Spring and Fall are the best seasons to rock climb around Durango. The temperatures are typically mild during these times. Summers can get hot, especially on sunny walls, but it can be pleasant to climb in the shade or during the morning. Winter typically brings colder weather and snow, but during periods of dry weather in the sun it can be nice.
Getting There
HWY 550 from the north or south, and HWY 160 from the east or west.
I've been wanting to check Hermosa out. I never thought of climbing there (it looks like choss from 550), until I saw that there were 60 routes posted here. It sounds like there is some interesting stuff.
Yes, there are some interesting routes. Check out the hard free route potential of Iridescent Hummingbird, Shark's Fin and other old aid routes which surmount Khumbu's Cove. It's actually quite amazing these lines have not been freed yet. Enjoy! (Route names stay the same with FFA credit given.)
The new edition of Durango Sandstone has been released! It is available at Backcountry Experience in Durango. Look for the Crow on the corner of 12th and Camino del Rio.
Durango
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