Crazy Woman Canyon Bouldering

The story of the creatively-named "Crazy Woman Canyon" dates back to the homesteading days. The legend tells of a family called the Morgans, who were ambused by Native Americans and all were killed, save for Mrs. Morgan. At the sight of her husband and children being slain, she descended into madness, grabbed an axe, and killed every one of her attackers. Shortly afterward, a mountain man named Johnson found her and offered to take her away. She refused to leave the site of her dead family, so Johnson built her a cabin to stay in, and she succombed to hunger and the elements in the cabin that winter. The area was also used as a hideout and getaway for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a use which makes sense when you enter the canyon yourself.

The road is still used today. On weekends it is very busy for a road its size, supporting thru traffic and dirt bikes. Be aware of this, and maybe consider coming during the week instead. The road itself is also not for the faint of heart. The gradient can be steep in places, and sharp rocks litter the road pretty continuously. Sedans can make it, as clearance isn't essential, but be cautious with trailers and RVs.

The area has not seen much development. There are some bolted lines, but on the whole the area sees little climbing. Bring a wire brush. water shoes, and a sense of adventure. There is plenty of untapped potential for bolted sport climbs. There is also a vast amount of high risk, insanely difficult lines that may or may not be climbable... only time will tell. The rock is largely bomber limestone, although some easily broken flakes can be found. In the lower section, the limestone can also be painfully sharp, but if you're masochistic the movement is great. Be cautious also when exploring the hillside, especially in the lower section: the ground is very unstable. While exploring a boulder I surfed downhill for abount 30 feet on a surface of loose rock. Completely true, be careful.

High quality primitive camping is available very close to the climbing, on the same road. Bring your fishing gear too, if you're into that.