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Elevation: 4,214 ft 1,284 m
GPS: 37.41373, -118.44716
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 837,941 total · 3,482/month
Shared By: AWinters on Feb 23, 2006
Admins: Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Read the BLM Happy Boulders page before you visit DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

The Happy Boulders offer highly concentrated world-class volcanic bouldering with hundreds of worthy problems ranging from simple to ridiculous.

Long shadowed by the more well-known and publicized Buttermilks, more and more climbers are realizing the potential inside the Happy Boulders canyon. Most first-time visitors will be overwhelmed by the amount of projects they just gathered and will find themselves making time to return. Some say at the Happies your muscles will fail first, whereas in the Buttermilks its usually your skin that will be your reason for leaving. Regardless, it's nice to have the options so close. Visitors experiencing Bishop in the colder months can find shelter and warmer temps here rather than the exposed, wind-swept, and higher-elevated Buttermilks.

* * * * * * STAY OFF THE PLANTS, STAY ON TRAIL & PACK OUT ALL TRASH * * * * * *

The rock, which looks brittle and crumbly with a quick glance is surprisingly bomber volcanic Bishop Tuff - just be weary on high top-outs that may not see much traffic. The boulders found here offer faces that challenge every technique - most notably is the abundance of finger pockets which are found in most zones. You'll also find steep, gymnastic juggy overhangs and crimpy faces, as well as low traverses and unlimited eliminates and link-ups. Cracks of wide ranges can be found on the rim along with easy and scary highballing... it's all here. The landings are flat, the boulders are jam-packed, and everyone in your posse will find what they're looking for.

Read more at the BLM Happy Boulders page.

Getting There Suggest change

From US 395 in Bishop, take US 6 north out of town towards Benton/Chalfant/Tonopah. After 1.3 miles, turn left on Five Bridges Rd. Follow this down the straightaway around the left-hand curve, past the Aggregate Plant to a 4-way intersection where the pavement turns to dirt. Take a left on Chalk Bluff Rd. Follow for 2.3 miles and park on the left side of the road. The canyon can easily be seen to your right, up the hill.

541 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Happy Boulders

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V0 4 PG13
 160
The Pursuit of Wow
Boulder
V1 5 PG13
 771
Heavenly Path
Boulder
V3 6A
 87
Rio's Secret Arete
Boulder
V3 6A R
 176
Black Magic
Boulder
V4 6B
 688
Solarium
Boulder
V4 6B
 538
Ketron Classic
Boulder
V4 6B
 105
The Flying Zebra
Boulder
V5 6C
 470
Serengeti
Boulder
V5 6C PG13
 93
Rene
Boulder
V6 7A
 384
The Hulk
Boulder
V6 7A R
 100
Atari
Boulder
V6 7A PG13
 161
Mister Witty
Boulder
V6 7A
 200
Every Color You Are
Boulder
V7 7A+
 88
Not Another Brit in Bishop
Boulder
V7+ 7A+
 79
Morning Dove White
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
The Pursuit of Wow Tom Peter's Sla… > Tom Peter's Slab
 160
V0 4 PG13 Boulder
Heavenly Path Central Happine… > Heavenly Path Boulder
 771
V1 5 PG13 Boulder
Rio's Secret Arete E Rim Area > Sixty Foot Woma… > Secret Arete Boulder
 87
V3 6A Boulder
Black Magic E Rim Area > Blood Simple Area > Black Magic Boulder
 176
V3 6A R Boulder
Solarium Central Happine… > Solarium Boulder
 688
V4 6B Boulder
Ketron Classic Savannah Area > Savannah Boulder
 538
V4 6B Boulder
The Flying Zebra Serengeti Area > Serengeti Boulder
 105
V4 6B Boulder
Serengeti Serengeti Area > Serengeti Boulder
 470
V5 6C Boulder
Rene W Rim Area > Hand to Hand Co… > Hand to Hand Combat Wall
 93
V5 6C PG13 Boulder
The Hulk Central Happine… > Happy Boulder
 384
V6 7A Boulder
Atari E Rim Area > Atari Area
 100
V6 7A R Boulder
Mister Witty W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 161
V6 7A PG13 Boulder
Every Color You Are W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 200
V6 7A Boulder
Not Another Brit in Bishop W Rim Area > Hand to Hand Co… > Hand to Hand Combat Wall
 88
V7 7A+ Boulder
Morning Dove White W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 79
V7+ 7A+ Boulder
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