The Rifle Range commands superb vistas owing to its elevation, 7,500 feet. It varies in height from 50 to 70 feet. The solitude, the variety of routes (boulders, aid, sport, trad) and their aesthetic nature, make for an interesting excursion. The quality sandstone here provides many opportunities for future first ascents. There are three established routes using bolts and pro with anchors. The lower-angled left side of the cliff consists of right-facing corners, small overhangs, wavy bulges interspersed with stances and ledges. The convoluted middle portion steepens a bit while the right side has a set of roofs guarding the top.
Getting There
The Rifle Range is located above the Durango Gun Club's firing range on La Posta Road (County Road 213) just south of Bodo. Continue south until the road crosses the drainage and park, 6,400 feet. For the 45 minute approach begin with Solar Slab, a clean 45 degree, 100 yard long slab of excellent sandstone. (If only it was angled at 69 degrees!) Follow the drainage up to the base of the slab and ascend to the top where a small double - peaked boulder sits. Continue up ridge to a large cairn. Contour right to Dry Grotto, a nice bouldering area, or stay left on the ridgeline to beeline for the flat spot on the ridge. From Dry Grotto, scramble up through these problems via a series of mini slot canyons and continue up scree to right of a small cliff which gains the flat spot on the ridge. Follow the trail to Valalpin, another bouldering garden with short cliffs above the outcrop proper. Find White Boulder and trail near conifer to descend to the Outcrop below.
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