All Locations > Colorado > Buena Vista > Arkansas Valley… > East > Castle Rock Gulch

Sunset Domes Bouldering

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Sunset Boulders 0 / 0 / 0 / 8 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 8

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Elevation:	9,369 ft	2,856 m
GPS:	38.79438, -105.94731 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	6,485 total · 84/month
Shared By:	chad beckelhymer on Oct 8, 2019
Admins:	Joey Chicharrones, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: This area is closed to climbing to the public from March 1 to July 31 annually. Details

This area is closed to climbing to the public from March 1 to July 31 annually to protect nesting birds of prey. This closure is closely monitored and strictly enforced. The closure extends half a mile, completely surrounding the gulch and the climbing routes. Please obey all posted closures.

During this time, there are only two permitted outfitter guides for 2019. Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center and, only this year (2019), Deer Valley Ranch are permitted to climb in the area under strict guidelines and USFS monitoring.

For more information on current closures and wildlife in the area, please contact the wildlife biologist at the Salida Ranger District. Do not climb in an area if there is a nest present. No bolted routes are allowed near or through raptor nest ledges or any species nest. If you encounter a raptor nest while climbing, stop climbing and report the raptor and other nests to the appropriate land management agency.

Description

Info about the first ascentionists provided by Dave M. in the comments below.

"First ascents of all the crack systems here were done in the early '80s . They should be credited to Kirk Miller, Ken Trout, Doug Ranck, Pat Barlow, and Matt Beckelhiemer. Please respect the area and the closures."

This is the three large domes of rock at the junction of 188 and 188A. There are at least three bolted routes here and lots of slabs that would make great bolted climbs! There are tons of cracks as well. I'm guessing there are still some FAs to be had here! I couldn't find any beta on this area... it seems like it's a well-kept secret by the locals.

Getting There

Head south from Buena Vista, and then head East at the junction with US 285. Drive six miles, then make a right onto 307. Follow the sign for Castle Rock Gulch. Drive 1.6 miles to FR 187 and take a right (signs for Castle Rock Gulch again). Drive 3.7 miles to FR 188, and take a left. On FR 188, you'll see many large domes a ways back from the road, but they all look like they've got great climbing. At 1.5 miles, you'll come to a fork in the road, take FR 188A on the left, and park in a small clearing just past the junction on your right.

From here, it's a short walk (five minutes) to the Domes and the boulders as well. You can't miss them on the North Side of the road.