Tucked away in the Disappointment Valley in southwestern Colorado is an area Charlie Fowler refers to in his guide Bouldering in the Telluride & West end areas as " Area X ." He Claims it to be as good as Hueco Tanks. I need Beta. Please does anyone know anything about this Area X. There are a few pics at the end of the guide and it does look quite good. Any info would be appreciated. If you do not want to post info on this most coveted of secret areas feel free to message me. Thanks

pssstt...you didn't hear it from me..but...it's by the Cross Bone Cove

It ain't hueco buddy, but Picketwire Canyon and Vogel Canyon near La Junta are really cool. Go there to look at dinosaur tracks more than to climb, but you can do both.

I think you meant southwestern Colorado. If you've been to any of the areas in Charlie's guidebooks you'll quickly realize he was extremely enthusiastic. No doubt there's good stuff out there but often it's spread out and surrounded by mediocrity...and often very difficult to locate.

Take heart though, there's plenty of adventure to be had and the really good stuff is definitely there. Don't forget to bring plenty of water.

Pirates and dinosaur bones ???? I Need real beta! and if you are in Ohio or Nebraska I understand if you don't know about Area X. I need some MP administrator know it all or leather neck tower bagger to shine some light no corn husker beta for me thanks.. come on MP any real help.

Doug is pretty right on. For every boulder there are about ten piles of choss. Better go to Texas.

C'mon I am Talkin about area X here !!!! Do any of you guys have the Guide To bouldering in the Telluride & West End areas of southwest Colorado turn to page 229. It does not look chossy or dirty , I am still not sure I agree as far as Hueco but it does look good. I would go to Texas but the Disappointment Valley is closer to my house than the airport. I am just trying to find some one out there who knows about this area. I do appreciate the help EVS but area X is not near LA JUNTA. It does look promising there though. AREA X people lets stay focused.

You did say southEAST. Disappointment Valley is southwest. A bit of a difference there. It's the most unpopulated area of the state, in the same sort of vein as Paradox Valley, you're not going to find any real info written anywhere, better check google earth and get drivin' and hikin'.

See it is so illusive I don't even know what side of the state it is on!!!! Damn Charlie hid this one good. I know it is remote (i.e. not 1 hour from Boulder) but it looks so damn good . Get the book check it out. I need help! please beta jesus help me!!

Mr. Fowler put out a guidebook called 'wild wild west.' I have never been to area x but have been to some of the stuff out in paradox. i think that the book would be a great place to start, as well as a polite inquiry in telluride at a gear shop, or a bar, or maybe some crag. telluride seems to be the closest town with a sizable number of climbers living there.

Timmamok and Doug are correct, IMHO. Take the "good as Hueco" statement with a grain of salt. I believe a small Climbing article also written by Charlie referred to the 16Z climbing area as being as good or better than Indian Creek. Hmmm, let's see: one of these areas has about 80 decent routes and the other has the potential for 10,000+ crack climbs, many of which are widely considered among the best in the world. Both comparisons are more than a bit of a stretch. Not to fault Charlie though, as he was probably the most psyched (though nearly silent) climber to ever touch rock. Cheers.

I found it. Looks amazing. can't wait to explore.

I've been there a couple of times with some of Charlie's old partners, and man, I don't think I could get there on my own! It is certainly an adventure bouldering area, lots of hikeing for lots of shawg rock and a few gems. For a couple of more pictures, check out Damon Johnson's blog http://adventureswithnomad.blogspot.com/
There are a number of "established" problems and areas these days. Seriously, it is a great place to wander and climb! Good luck!

Jon

Jon thanks finally a real shred of beta from someone who has actually been there how unique to this post. For all you nay sayers doubting my sense of adventure from the comfort of your P.C. I guess you have never seen a picture of someone climbing and wondered "where is that" It can be quite maddening ! Especially when you flip by the photo every time you look through the guide book that you purchased.That is right! I am also a dirty guide book owner the shame I feel confiding in all of you that I don't know all the rock by heart, and some times turn to the dark art of guide book oogling. I am so ashamed!!!!!!

Via Ferrata in Telluride, where can I get some more beta on that. I have always wanted to do a Via Ferrata.

R. Moran look at

http://maps.google.com/?sll=38.01222,-108.83639&spn=0.05,0.0>>>>>

I am sure you can get started this way. Birds Eye view of the whole area.

I'm just sorry I can't give you more directions. It is a huge area and the potential is limitless! Google Earth is a good way to go. Charlie scouted it from a plane and photos. You go in with an open mind and enjoy the scenery.

As for the Via Ferratte, it is pretty simple. From Telluride you head up the road towards Bridal Veil Falls to the Pipeline Wall climbing area. Once you cross the bridge to the climbing area you turn up hill next to the creek, following a faint trail. You head up until you can head left across a ledge. There is a trail that leads you to the via ferratte. It is fun, but a bit short. Can't compare to the ones in Europe, but there is rumor of a second one that I haven't found yet.
Jon