Ouray vicinity (rock)

Ouray has over 150 routes (as of 4/2007) on 6 different rock types (limestone, quartzite, welded tuff/volcanic ash, Cutler sandstone, and a metamorphic sandstone). There is a guidebook available at Ouray Mountain Sports (www.ouraysports.com). Most of the routes are bolted sport climbs, but some are trad and some are a mix of bolts and gear. The majority of the climbs are in the 5.11 and 5.12 range, but more and more of all types of routes are being established. Generally the routes are technical in nature, but there are a few pumpy ones to be found as well. Rock climbing season is at its best in the summer when it's too hot everywhere else, but it can be possible to climb rock on a warm sunny day midwinter. You just might be post-holing to get the climbs. Fortunately, they are not far from the car. Approaches are usually less than 25 minutes.

Too bad that the only climbs you have listed for the Pool Wall are the ones in the alcove. Except for The Groove and the Boom Boom Room the alcove routes suck compared to the main wall area. There are 80 routes (75 sport) and most of them are excellent. There are also several other venues in the area on three types of rock- metamorphised sandstone, quartzite and limestone. Good climbing with different sun exposures and no crowds. Jason Nelson's guide is available at Ouray Mountain Sports. Enjoy!

Yeah, the alcove sucks. Keep on walking to the main walls for the good climbing. Don't know why anyone would want to climb in the bottom of a rockslide zone anyway....