Bob D on the classic west face of the main boulder...
Description
Two massive boulders with great lines and perfect flat landings, and they sit in an incredibly beautiful spot next to the South Platte River. I bouldered there for a couple of hours on a Sunday and I was all by myself - no sign of any other climbers.
They are both pretty tall, so you wouldn't even want to think about falling on the finishing moves. But on the other hand, the cruxy sequences tend to come down lower where falls are no problem.
Benningfield's book calls these the "creme de la creme of boulders in the canyon (also the state)".
Getting There
From Colorado Springs, take US 24 to Woodland Park, and then on to the small town of Lake George. Overall, its about 40 miles from Colorado Springs to Elevenmile. Turn left at Lake George to enter Elevenmile Canyon. From the ranger kiosk at the entrance, it is 6.5 miles to the boulders. Park at the wide spot and wade the river to get to the boulders. Use some judgement on whether this is safe - in a high runoff year it could be tricky. I waded it in May of 2002 and it was no problem.
Featured Route For Murray Boulders (River Boulders)
On the south face of the east twin, traverse the handrail to it's end and move up to the lip and the slab above. A good amount of climbing with little danger. You can also go straight up from the good jug in the middle of the rail. One of the best on these boulders....[more]
Add CommentComments on Murray Boulders (River Boulders)
Even though it is great that these boulders are rarely crowded it does have a downside. The downside is that the rock tends to be covered in spider webs moss and other debri. the top out are also difficult due to this. So a quick cleaning would do no harm.
The really good bouldering is just up the hill a bit to the west (above and between)spy rock and the indulgance crag. A brush is not a bad idea, but not required. This is the Best area for bouldering (I have discovered) in the canyon.
A little history on the River Boulders. Harrison Dekker was the first person to boulder here. I went to the boulders with Harrison a number of times during the spring and summer of '83 or '84. Harrison did the FA of a number of problems and I did a few too. I took Murray to the boulders and he did a few FA's but most of the classic problems were already done.
How they became the Murray Boulders is somewhat of a mystery.
Murray Boulders (River Boulders)
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