Durango

Durango's Premier Crag - The Watch Crystal

Description 

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 and Sailing Hawks offer a variety of boulders and are close to town. 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.

Backcountry Experience
Pine Needle Mountaineering
Gardenswartz Sporting Goods

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.

The Classics

Featured Route For Durango

Burt and Ernie's Tourney 5.12b/c  CO : Durango : ... : Back 9

This route has holds that are fun to go in between with specific body movements and stuff. This free-form rock climb will make your gripping extremities tired, unless you are immune to tiredness... in which case it won't....[more]   Browse More Classics in CO

Photos of Durango Slideshow

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Tom crossing a tyrolean in Granite lands.	Laser crack, V2ish.	Baker's bridge Photo by B. Campbell
BETA PHOTO: Gentle Ben on Legacy of the Kid 5.9 R/X. WORD!	Khumbu, the Hermosa dog at the trailhead. She woul...	Like overhangs?
The Pope's Nose.	Bouldering on boulders.	More bouldering on boulders.
Local Durango hard-goats.	Steve, Eggman, Eginore bivying on Insectaphobia, t...	Steve, Eggman, Eginore, aid climbing on Insectapho...
South/southeast face of the Pope's Nose.	Valalpin's Formations....	Nice...
Kris French tests out his shiny new 25-bolt anchor...	Dihedral of Grinning Hostess w/ aesthetic undercli...	1st ascent for those who dare...Wildcat Canyon.