The 420s are a recently developed bouldering hot spot offering classic Camp 4 like problems on mostly free standing boulders. A subalpine setting makes this an ideal place to boulder in the summer. Most boulders are on state forest land. However, some of the more famous problems (Kingpin) are on private property. When in doubt ask a friendly Ft. Collins local. Camping is not allowed at the 420s.
Getting There
From Boulder, Go to Ft Collins on I-25. Get off on the exit after Prospect. Follow signs for 14 and 287 until you get to the gas station at the entrance to the Poudre Canyon (there is a sign). Drive up for a ways (20- 30 miles.) Keep an eye out for Pingree Park . The 420's are 16 miles after Pingree Park. Park, go through gate on Right side off road, follow trail. (5-10 minute walk)
Location: on Hank's boulder. See "Hank's Lunge" for more detail on finding boulder.This problem starts low on the black face and climbs the crimps that are directly right of an arete. Scarface is left of the problem "Fuck You Finger" which climbs black face to the two obvious slopers 7 feet up the wall.Start sitdown with right hand on small crimp. Move left and up to more crimps, to sloping lip, and then up and right to decent hold. Topout and...[more]
Some more info/beta: the first area you come to is a single black boulder on the dirt road. The main 420's area is farther along in the woods. Just look for an obvious trail and walk for 3 minutes to the main area. The Kingpin area is even further down the trail. It's a 5 minute stroll past the main area. The Kingpin area is right next to some cabins. Please respect the No Trespassing signs and keep the noise level down. If you're bouldering, and can see the buildings, then you're probably too close.
Ummm... kind of screwed that up, we're working on an improvement to the site. In the meantime, just go to Contribute (left side navigation bar) and click on suggest a rock...
This area should be removed. It is part of the fort collins climbing world not boulder's. It is a disgrace to FC climbers to see it on this site. Its probably the worst description I ve ever seen anyways. Don't climb on kingpin!
Get off your high horse Anonymous Coward. Obviously not every route, or really any, belong to Boulder or anyone else. This site is great and has given useful, although sometimes inconsistent, biased, or incorrect beta to anyone who may want it. If you don't like it, don't use it. Or better yet, make a useful contribution.
Based on your ignorant and selfish philosophy you have just limited your own climbing opportunities by a billionfold becasue now you can't leave Fort Collins. Stay away from Vedauwoo, it belongs to Larmie. Don't go to Lumpy or climb in the Park, it belongs to the climbers in Estes. Stay away from the South Platte, and definitely don't go to Eldo.
Stop making Fort Collins climbers look like the very people you probably despise from Boulder for the same reasons you despise them. Actually, keep it up, the crags will be less crowded without you!
Sorry but this is the real world and there is no difference between Poudre, Hueceo, or Font.! They're all places that people have heard/read about and want to climb at. Unless you personally own the land and are trying to keep people off your property then I think your groundless provinciality is just a little trite. But yeah stay off Kingpin; it is on private property and the description to the area is absolutly lame!
If the description to Poudre is the worst you have seen - Fix it!
Poudre is not a private area anymore, it has gotten to much attention recently. Better that the access is clearly defined so that people know where they can go and where they can't.
Poudre Season is here and its access should be clarified and public.
I am sorry about the bad description. It would be great if someone fixed it. I thought the time was right to add this popular area particularly because the new Benningfield guide won't have it. Poudre to the people! jm
It's just amazing that you see stuff like the Poudre in Magazines and on the internet, it's really not that spray worthy. Anyways, perhaps it will be a good distration from colorado's real bouldering destination, for all you bumbles out there.
Please show this area a great deal of respect. Keep your voices down, DO NOT climb on the kingpin boulder and CLEAN UP YOUR TRASH. There are no ratings for any of the problems except cicadian rythm which is V14/15
Lost a pair of MADROCK Mugen shoes over the holiday weekend (7/5) at 420 boulders. Please email jennifer@e-vse.com if you found them. Many thanks, Chris.
I really wish that someone would make some sort of topo for this area that knows it best and post it on this site. I would do it but it would be the worst topo ever and I would get blasted. If anyone knows of one or can make one then you should email me at mtnman455@hotmail.com. Also, the rock here is the most wonderful thing.
420's
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