Durango Climbing

Durango is a nice, mid-sized town in southwestern Colorado with a variety of local rock climbing. No single crag is a destination in itself, but each of them has some gems and together make for a nice local climbing scene.

• For a good pump on some steep limestone, check out the sport climbing at the Golf Wall or Cascade Canyon.
• If you think trad is rad, make a trip to East Animas. Don't miss the Watch Crystal, it is one of the best pieces of stone in the area.
• For bouldering, check out the sandstone blocks of Sailing Hawks, Turtle Lake, or Lightner Creek. 
• X-Rock is right at the north end of town and has a nice little selection of routes that are easily toproped.
• The Vallecito Crags and Lemon Reservoir should not be missed either. There are many quality sport, mixed, and trad lines to enjoy.
• For a more backcountry climbing experience, look into the Pine River Area.

DURANGO SANDSTONE is the guidebook for roped climbs. The newest edition came out in 2014 and was reprinted in 2021. 

DURANGO BOULDERING is the guidebook for boulders. It is OUT OF PRINT and no longer available for purchase.

Spring and Fall are the best seasons to rock climb around Durango. The temperatures are typically mild during these times. Summers get hot, especially on sunny walls, but it can be OK to climb in the shade. Winter typically brings colder weather and snow, but during periods of dry weather it can be nice in the sun.

For more information on Durango climbing, or to get involved, check out the Durango Climbers' Coalition.