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GPS: 39.92511, -105.33782
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 23,226 total · 148/month
Shared By: Mark Roth on Apr 22, 2011 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: 2023 Seasonal Closures - lifted DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

This is a big south-facing granite boulder up by the western end of the park, and, you guessed it, it kind of looks like a train car. Also, it is close enough to the tracks to justify its name, but luckily it is within Eldorado Canyon State Park. Logically, this area should be organized with the other granite areas nearby, but they all seem to suffer from various access issues. The areas near Gross Reservoir are closed for security reasons, and the stuff near Walker Ranch is Boulder Open Space which doesn't allow off trail hiking....

This great boulder has about 20 fun problems with pretty flat landings in a beautiful, remote setting. The only drawback is the odyssey required to reach this solitary boulder. If there is not enough here for your day, you could always check out the bouldering @ Golden Gate State Park or even stop off on Flagstaff (if you drive that way).

Getting There Suggest change

The boulder is a short hike from the Crescent Meadow trail head on Gross Damn Road. There are a few ways to get here including: driving over Flagstaff, hiking up from the lower canyon, or even by bike (it's a short ride off of the Walker Ranch loop).

I'll just describe the easiest and fastest way:

  • South on CO 93 from Boulder (because that's where all boulderers live)
  • Zero your odometer @ the intersection of Coal Creek Canyon (CO 72) and CO Hwy 93. Drive west up the canyon for 7.5 miles.
  • Turn right on Crescent Park Drive (liquor store on the left). Follow this for 1 mile around an S turn.
  • At the T, turn right onto Gross Damn Road (dirt).
  • After you cross the RR Tracks, look for the parking lot on the right. This is technically in the park, but you don't require a park pass....

Approach from trail head (about 10 minutes):

This differs from directions on other sites....

Walk North toward the Walker Ranch loop and take a right. As you head East, an old road forks off to the right. Follow this across the meadow as it contours around the hill until you are heading South toward the tracks. This road parallels the road you can see on the hillside, but stays 100 yards downhill from it. There is a cairn on the right where you leave this road. At this point, you are directly East of the boulder and can see it.... I have tried all possible approaches, and although this SEEMS farther, it was by far the fastest and easiest way. And even better, it avoids fragile environments and private property. Thanks to Mike McHugh for showing the way....
This is the recommended approach route. Please use this old dirt road to minimize impacts to the meadow....

9 Total Climbs

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