ROTARY PARK
With easy access (seconds from the car), the Rotary park hosts several routes that are great for kids, beginners, and advanced climbers alike. This is a great place to learn to lead on closely spaced bolts with easy grades. However there are some steep and cryptic lines for those looking for more of a challenge.
Prerequisites: No prior rock climbing experience needed.
THE OVERLOOK
Overlooking the historic mining town of Ouray, the overlook is a bit of a hidden gem. Steep limestone characterized by crimps and pockets will test your finger strength. Easy access and beautiful scenery add to the charm of this local’s favorite.
Prerequisites: Participants must have prior rock climbing experience, be familiar with basic knots and belaying a leader.
POOL WALL
This climbing area in Ouray offers amazing scenery of the surrounding mountains, easy access, and all different levels of single pitch sport climbing on great rock. Beginner climbers can find climbs as easy as 5.5, while intermediate and advanced climbers have a variety of climbs up to 5.13+. Climbing is just minutes from downtown Ouray.
Prerequisites: No prior rock climbing experience needed
PREREQUISITES
Rotary Park: No prior rock climbing experience needed.
Other areas: Participants must have prior ice and rock climbing experience, be familiar with basic knots and belaying a leader.
GEAR LIST
Let us know what you DO NOT have. We may have it.
Gear you should bring, weather and terrain dependent:
Long climbing pants such as the Patagonia Simul Alpine Pant
Shorts for warm weather climbing and approaches
Synthetic or wool T-shirt
Lightweight long sleeve synthetic or wool shirt
A medium weight synthetic or wool shirt. We use and recommend the Patagonia Capilene 4 Hoody
One medium weight insulated jacket, such as a Patagonia Piton Hybrid Hoody
A lightweight emergency rain shell such as the Patagonia Alpine Houdini or M10 Jacket
Lightweight emergency rain pants such as Patagonia Torrentshell Pants
One lightweight insulated piece such as a Patagonia Nano puff jacket or pullover
A lightweight wool or synthetic hat
A pair of lightweight fleece or lightly insulated leather-palmed gloves.
Helmet
Harness
2 locking carabiners
1 belay/rappel device
Rock shoes suitable for climbing all day, generally snug fitting with a sock
Rock shoes suitable for more difficult pitches, generally snug fitting without a sock
Good approach shoes are mandatory. Preferably with a sheet rubber sole and not with mold-injected rubber. An example of this is the La Sportiva Boulder X approach shoe.
A simple, climbing-oriented 25 liter backpack such as the Patagonia Ascentionist 25 backpack
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Sunscreen
Lipbalm with sunscreen
EQUIPMENT WE PROVIDE:
Ropes, protection, slings and other team technical equipment.
TRAINING TIPS
IInterested in a structured approach to training?
Read Steve House’s and Scott Johnston’s Book: Training for the New Alpinism
Check Out Uphill Athlete’s training and coaching options