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East Animas Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in East Animas

A. Triple Tree 9 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 9

B. Yosemite Crack Zone 9 / 1 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 9

C. Stargazer 5 / 7 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 12

D. Bedrock 10 / 8 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 16

E. Byrd's 5 / 4 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 8

F. Maxx 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 3

G. Apple Cider 21 / 10 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 29

H. Overview & Waterfall 2 / 11 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 13

I. Watch Crystal 22 / 15 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 33

J. Jabba Buttress 10 / 14 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 24

K. Boundary Line Wall 3 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 4

K. Solarium 2 / 3 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 7

Explore this area in 3D

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Elevation:	6,593 ft	2,010 m
GPS:	37.3183, -107.836 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	334,532 total · 1,392/month
Shared By:	e Dixon on Apr 28, 2006 · Updates
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

East Animas (East A) is a beloved sandstone crag located just outside town. Historically known as a traditional area, East A is now home to some of Durango's best and most difficult bolted lines as well. The routes are one or two pitches in length and range in difficulty from 5.6 to 5.14. There are several area classics on the Watch Crystal, which is one of the best pieces of stone in the Durango area. There are many other scattered gems, plenty of adventure, loose rock, sandbags, and overall good fun to be had!

East A is west-facing, and is generally shady in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. Typically the best seasons are spring and fall. Summer in the shade and winter in the sun can also be pleasant.

Most traditional routes can be protected with a "Standard East A Rack", a double set of cams to #3 and an assortment of stoppers. Plan accordingly if doing anything requiring bigger gear.

Getting There

The area is located on the east side of the Animas Valley. You can see the rock when driving north out of town. Take County Road 250 north from Durango for almost a couple of miles, and locate a dirt parking lot on the east side of the road (GPS coordinates 37.318202, -107.836032). There is a sign for East Animas Climbing in the parking lot. The approach trail leads to the base of the Watch Crystal. The surrounding land is private, so respect the locals that live in the area. PLEASE PICK UP YOUR TRASH. The parking area has seen some abuse and none of us want that kind of attention being drawn to the area or the local climbing community.

167 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at East Animas

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 103 ● Byrd's Classic Trad 2 pitches E Byrd's
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a 115 ● Simians to the Sun Trad, Sport 2 pitches I. Watch Crystal
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 140 ● Pale Skinned Nebraskan (submitte… Sport J. Jabba Buttress
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b 89 ● Apes of Wrath Sport 2 pitches I. Watch Crystal
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 62 ● Durangutan Trad, Sport 3 pitches I. Watch Crystal
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b 90 ● Watch Crystal Crack Trad 2 pitches I. Watch Crystal
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c 56 ● Crime & Punishment Sport I. Watch Crystal
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c PG13 25 ● Punta Magna Trad 2 pitches G. Apple Cider
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a 24 ● Jailhouse Monkey (on dope) Trad, Sport 2 pitches I. Watch Crystal
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a 43 ● The Love Movement Sport J. Jabba Buttress
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a 22 ● Blue Light Special Trad J. Jabba Buttress
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a 21 ● Barney's Crack Trad D. Bedrock
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b 27 ● Power Glide Sport I. Watch Crystal
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b 17 ● Stargazer Trad C. Stargazer
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b 15 ● Valhalla Trad, Sport 2 pitches G. Apple Cider