Devils Den area in Weston, CT and Devils Glen are both quiet and superb climbing locations. Devils Glen is a deep water soloing location with one established route that has seen a recent first ascent. Devils Dander (5.11 v4/5) is a 25-30 foot highball boulder problem that is beautifully set at a cliff jumping spot, popular to local teens. The route is easily top roped, but much more fun to solo. Its a scenic area with great views and accessibility right on the roadside, but its not necessarily legal to be there because the town doesn't want people jumping of the rocks, although its hardly enforced. I projected this climb as a novice climber for a year, sending it this Summer after a friend revealed some productive beta. The route has an excellent ledge just above water level to gear up; it is an overhanging face climb with some moves that utilize the arete feature (but be careful because too far left or right of the distinguished line and the fall gets sketchy); the problem becomes increasingly difficult as you progress, starting at about 5.9 on the lower moves with crux moves that are easily 5.11a/b, possibly greater. Falls are safe on this line because of the direct line that overhangs right over the designated jumping water hole. The route also goes as an eliminate, without using the crucial arete crimp on the right face the sequence requires an athletic dyno to a side pull, letter grade harder maybe? Both variations have seen multiple ascents but only by me and my climbing partner who projected the route. I'd love to see a repeat and get some feedback from an alternative source to confirm my grading and enjoy the amazing feeling of a safe free solo in such an aesthetic location. Its my own king line and I'm trying to get it some exposure. Check out the photos to get you riled up.. Please contact me if you're thinking about climbing there, I know my way around the area quite well. Or just type in Devils Dander on Youtube for some footage of the first and second ascents.
Getting There
Exit 44 off the Merritt (Rt. 15), head towards Reservoir, away from Fairfield towards Weston on 58. Take left at first intersection after passing the Reservoir on your right. Take a right at the stop sign. Follow that road until it ends at a stop sign, turn right onto Valley Forge Road. Its a quarter mile down the road on the left but parking is only available on the right. There is usually a large construction truck parked across the street blocking a hilly driveway from being parked in. Park up the street on the right.
I'm itching to check this place out now, is there other bouldering/climbing in the immediate area or just the one dws line? (which is still plenty for me to take the drive) Also I was hoping for claification on the driections, I'll post a map which shows where I would think to park but am not sure as first stop signs are not noted on googlemaps. Thanks for the beta on a DWS place in CT, I have heard rumours and now they are confirmed! (If anyone is brave to DWS at night, brownstone quaries has 2 confirmed dws lines and probably many more, they're just a pain to get to, and if they catch you I bet they would be pretty pisssed. I personally would gladly pay admission to scout dws potential but they do not allow DWS only roped climbing with inept instructors, damn lawyers)
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