Surrounding Boulder, rugged terrain allows locals to enjoy the popular hobby of rock climbing. Not only does it give people a chance to enjoy nature, but it gives people a chance to exercise. The routes within Boulder provide climbs for all levels of climbers. The ratings of these routes depend on the height as well as the challenge of the climb.
The diversity of the routes within Boulder draws the attention of climbers throughout the country. Starting off directly up Flagstaff Road, the perfectly set rocks allow for a wide range of routes. The infamous monkey traverse is the most popular and is a relatively easy route. The monkey traverse allows people to cut across the rock at a low level rather than climbing straight up. Similarly, the Y Traverse also gives climbers the same type of climbing at an easier level.
Along with outdoor climbing, Boulder has many gyms for rock climbing, including The Spot, ABC Climbing, and Boulder Rock Club. This demonstrates the people of Boulder’s passion for rock climbing and creates a community for the sport. The gyms allow people to escape the weather and practice their hobbies with many people. The idea of community within rock climbing has also spread from the heart of Boulder to surrounding towns. In Louisville, the Evo Rock gym opened up, and so did the second Spot location.
Not only is rock climbing thriving within Boulder, it has a strong presence within Boulder High School. Nearly every day, kids throughout the school replace typical physical activity with rock climbing. Rocco Smalley, 25’, says “Not only does rock climbing give me a chance to get outside, but it also allows me to get exercise while having fun.”Rock climbing has become so popular in Boulder that outdoor stores here not only sell gear but have dedicated whole sections of stores just to rock climbing itself. Stores such as Neptune Mountaineering and REI give climbers options to rent gear for a lower price and test certain shoes within the store itself.
Once again, rock climbing clearly goes beyond just the physical activity itself, as it allows people to stay in touch with the mountains surrounding Boulder, find community, and learn skills to navigate the many rocks around us. With this said it might be time to give rock climbing a chance. You will surely enjoy it.
