Elevation: 6,016 ft
GPS: 38.89077, -108.50869
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 110,512 total · 1,062/month
Shared By: Nick Reecy on Nov 13, 2014
Admins: Jesse Zacher, Bradley Mark Edwards, Nick Reecy, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC

Description

The Mecca area is the first group of boulders encountered when heading west from the green gate parking area. Most of the boulders in the group are exposed and receive plenty of sunshine making it an ideal winter destination, but the lack of shade can make for a blistering summer session. Snow melt and heavy rain can turn the soil into peanut butter, and biting gnats greedily suck the blood of any living creature during late spring through early summer. Nonetheless, the area can be bouldered during each season, if done at the right time of day with a keen eye for aspect.

In general, Mecca isn't a one-stop tickfest that is characteristic of more popular areas. Most of the boulders are spread out, and possess only a line or two on each of them. In addition, chalk-filled lines and manicured landings exist on only a few of the more popular boulders. This may lead some to believe their efforts are the first of their kind, but closer inspection often reveals evidence of prior efforts. The area has been the host of many, impressively strong climbers, that sent and left without documenting their efforts. Regardless of the rich and nebulous bouldering history, there are many untouched lines remaining for those interested.

Overall, the rock quality is fantastic and landings are remarkably good. Problems are predominately vertical and crimpy, this promotes a controlled, finger-wrenching technical style. Be sure to allow the boulders some drying time after rain and snowmelt. Stick to the trails where they exist, and pack your trash out.

Classic must-see boulders include Mecca, Birdhouse, Moby Dick, Hueco, and Gunny Gold. Each of these has a good number of problems that climb excellent rock over flat landings.

Getting There

From the green gate parking area (be sure to close it), head down hill, cross East Creek, and you're there. The boulders can be accessed by taking either a left or right at the dirt track. In addition, there are numerous foot paths/cattle trails that access the area's boulders. The area is large, but the furthest boulder takes no more than 10 minutes to walk to.

145 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Mecca Area

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V2 5+
 10
Johnny Don't Surf
Boulder
V2-3 5+
 8
Brown Sugar
Boulder
V3 6A
 21
Think Like A Chimp
Boulder
V3 6A
 20
Sandman
Boulder
V3 6A
 18
Better Than Biking
Boulder
V4 6B
 25
Ping Pong
Boulder
V4 6B
 17
Western Implements
Boulder
V4 6B
 5
Hueco Problem
Boulder
V4 6B
 11
Rock Lobster
Boulder
V5 6C
 7
Breakfast of Champions
Boulder
V5-6 6C+
 9
Ishmael
Boulder
V6 7A
 66
Chinese Algebra
Boulder
V6 7A
 5
Blubber
Boulder
V6 7A
 7
Dapper Dan
Boulder
V7 7A+
 9
Northern Ghosts
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Johnny Don't Surf Mecca Boulder
 10
V2 5+ Boulder
Brown Sugar Mecca Boulder
 8
V2-3 5+ Boulder
Think Like A Chimp Mecca Boulder
 21
V3 6A Boulder
Sandman Mecca Boulder
 20
V3 6A Boulder
Better Than Biking Mecca Boulder
 18
V3 6A Boulder
Ping Pong Mecca Boulder
 25
V4 6B Boulder
Western Implements Moby Dick Boulder
 17
V4 6B Boulder
Hueco Problem Hueco Boulder
 5
V4 6B Boulder
Rock Lobster Mecca Boulder
 11
V4 6B Boulder
Breakfast of Champions Vonnegut Boulder
 7
V5 6C Boulder
Ishmael Moby Dick Boulder
 9
V5-6 6C+ Boulder
Chinese Algebra Mecca Boulder
 66
V6 7A Boulder
Blubber Moby Dick Boulder
 5
V6 7A Boulder
Dapper Dan Mecca Boulder
 7
V6 7A Boulder
Northern Ghosts Hueco Boulder
 9
V7 7A+ Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Mecca Area »

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