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Elevation: 6,593 ft 2,010 m
GPS: 37.3183, -107.836
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 332,868 total · 1,471/month
Shared By: e Dixon on Apr 28, 2006 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC

Description Suggest change

East Animas (East A) is located just outside town and is the local trad climbing hangout. Nowadays there are many fine bolted climbs as well, however, many of these do require some gear. The rock is Sandstone of varying quality. 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, some loose rock, good old-fashion sandbags, and overall good fun to be had!

East A is west facing and the cliff is shady in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. Typically the best seasons are spring and fall. Summer mornings and winter afternoons can also be pleasant.

Getting There Suggest change

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 (37.318202, -107.836032). It is just past an old barn. 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 BUTTS AND BEER CANS. 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.

Google Earth Map

166 Total Climbs

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Location: East Animas Change
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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
 98
Byrd's Classic
Trad 2 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 110
Simians to the Sun
Trad, Sport 2 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 127
Pale Skinned Nebraskan (submitte…
Sport
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 80
Apes of Wrath
Sport 2 pitches
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 60
Durangutan
Trad, Sport 3 pitches
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 81
Watch Crystal Crack
Trad 2 pitches
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 50
Crime & Punishment
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a PG13
 23
Punta Magna
Trad 2 pitches
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 24
Jailhouse Monkey (on dope)
Trad, Sport 2 pitches
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 38
The Love Movement
Sport
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 22
Blue Light Special
Trad
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
 21
Barney's Crack
Trad
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 25
Power Glide
Sport
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 14
Valhalla
Trad, Sport 2 pitches
5.14a 8b+ 32 X+ 32 E8 7a
 4
Lost In Space
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Byrd's Classic E Byrd's
 98
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 2 pitches
Simians to the Sun I. Watch Crystal
 110
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad, Sport 2 pitches
Pale Skinned Nebraskan (sub… J. Jabba Buttress
 127
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Apes of Wrath I. Watch Crystal
 80
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport 2 pitches
Durangutan I. Watch Crystal
 60
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Trad, Sport 3 pitches
Watch Crystal Crack I. Watch Crystal
 81
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Trad 2 pitches
Crime & Punishment I. Watch Crystal
 50
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
Punta Magna G. Apple Cider
 23
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a PG13 Trad 2 pitches
Jailhouse Monkey (on dope) I. Watch Crystal
 24
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Trad, Sport 2 pitches
The Love Movement J. Jabba Buttress
 38
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Sport
Blue Light Special J. Jabba Buttress
 22
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Trad
Barney's Crack D. Bedrock
 21
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a Trad
Power Glide I. Watch Crystal
 25
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport
Valhalla G. Apple Cider
 14
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Trad, Sport 2 pitches
Lost In Space C. Stargazer
 4
5.14a 8b+ 32 X+ 32 E8 7a Sport
More Classic Climbs in East Animas »

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