Best Outdoor Bouldering Spots in the Front Range
As much as we love the creative climbing crafted by our routesetters, there’s something special about pulling on real rock. Whether it’s your first time bouldering outside, you’re visiting the Front Range and renting our pads, or you’ve climbed out your favorite area, we’ve got your back. Here are our five favorite outdoor bouldering destinations in the Denver and Boulder area:
Flagstaff Mountain
Andrew Carlone on Hollow’s Way V8. (📸: Hunter Smith)
Flagstaff features some of the most accessible bouldering in the Front Range. Dozens of boulders lie within a hundred yards of Flagstaff Road just five minutes uphill from Boulder. Once you reach The Capstan (the looming highball that’s impossible to miss), stop at any pull-off for the next mile and find a variety of classics of all grades and heights. The map feature on Mountain Project will come in handy here, as many boulders in the same vicinity are listed under different sub-areas. Cloud Shadow/The Dark Side is a great entry point. Hit Flagstaff in the morning or after work, with a crew or alone, and with your crusher friends or for your first time out. It’s hard to leave Flagstaff disappointed.
Our Favorites: Tombstone Spire West V0, Pedestal Traverse V2, That Flakes It V4, Valhalla V7, Undercling Traverse V9
SATELLITE BOULDERS
Chad Allen on Zero G V5. (📸: Patrick Bodnar)
Another after work go-to in Boulder with a longer approach, The Satellites rest at the base of the Second Flatiron. This is the smallest area on the list, but nevertheless a popular one, with lots of problems in close proximity to satisfy a group of boulderers of varying strengths. Fight for a parking spot in Chautauqua Park, then get your blood pumping on a 15-minute uphill hike. Dial in your footwork on the slabby boulders guarding the entrance to the area, then move your pads uphill and start pulling hard on your choice of classic climbs from V0–V12. If you want some privacy, tiptoe your way further uphill in search of the Upper Satellites. You’ll thank us later.
Our Favorites: Sputnik One V1, Original Grapple V4-, Zero G V5, The Turning Point V8, Captain Hook V9
Clear Creek Canyon
T.J. Raszka on Neoban V10 (📸: Hunter Smith)
The steep walls of Clear Creek Canyon are lined with 15 miles of stellar sport climbing and bouldering alike. The bulbous granite and gneiss are a far cry from the sandstone which characterize Flagstaff, The Satellites, and Morrison. Strong boulderers will be in paradise throwing themselves at powerful roof problems and techy overhangs, though great easier problems can also be found. Warm up at The Spot Golden, then drive 5 minutes to the Tunnel 1 Trail Boulders for some easy-access problems with flat landings. Further west, the steep walls of the canyon can make for trickier approaches and worse landings, so choose your objective carefully and haul plenty of pads. Tons of classic climbs can be accessed from Mile Marker 268 and the Tunnel 5 parking lot. After sending, cool down with some sport routes or even a dip in the creek!
Our Favorites: Block Boulder V1-2, E-40 V4, Mavericks V5, Into The Light V7, Moulin Rouge V10
Morrison Boulders
Wilson Strong on In The Beginning V1 (📸: James Wooldridge)
The easiest-access bouldering for much of the Denver metro area does not disappoint. While the crowds can rival your local gym at times, it’s for good reason–Morrison hosts some classic Front Range bouldering. Head to The Dark Side, a shady north-facing ridge on the south side of town. Here you’ll find an assortment of fantastic free-standing boulders, broken cliff bands, and epic cracks in the earth, with great problems ranging from V1 to V10. If you’d prefer to catch some sun, head to The Lobby/Black Hole across the road and test yourself on dozens of classic, if contrived, problems along the cliff band looming over the town of Morrison. Steal some beta from the locals guaranteed to be running circuits on the greasiest holds in the Front Range!
Our Favorites: In The Beginning V1, Breashear’s Crack II V3, Double Arete V5, Full Wisdom V7, Arrowhead Arete SDS V10
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
Wes Mysinger on Wisdom V4. (📸: James Wooldridge)
Looking for a breath of fresh air? Alderfer/Three Sisters is a beautiful escape from the city in Evergreen, 35 minutes from The Spot Golden. A fantastic array of boulders are sprinkled throughout the woods throughout the park, most of which are easy to access and have good landings. Expect tame 5–10 minute approaches, well-established trails, and great Mountain Project beta. The park is a popular destination for hikers, bikers and boulderers alike, but even on busy days there’s plenty of space for everyone. Prepare yourself to be asked why you’re carrying that mattress on your back–It’s for this badass sport called bouldering, and they should give it a try!
Our Favorites: Marry Ann V1, Dihedral Problem V2, Wisdom V4, Child’s Play V6-7, Thievery V8