Rocky Canyon Climbing

For a completely different experience than is found at the Black Cliffs or Table Rock, but just as close to downtown Boise, drive up Shaw Mountain road and check out the half dozen or so established routes. These routes were established during rather separated development spurts, some dating back decades and others quite recent. Nearly all the rock in Rocky Canyon is, from a climber's standpoint, loose, broken, and potentially dangerous. However, there are a couple of areas that have surprisingly solid rock and, though the routes are short, fun movement. The Bee Block, particularly, is well suited for children or beginning climbers. A couple routes there would make for a pleasant, non-committing introduction to climbing with traditional protection.

It makes sense to organize the area into two sectors, as they are separated by roughly three-quarters of a mile. The first sector you'll encounter coming from town is the Twinkle Toes area, followed .7 miles by the Bee Block.

Necessary equipment: a rope (or pads), a light rack, and some long slings or cord.