Climbing

The San Juan National Forest offers many opportunities for climbing, from scrambling through canyon rock jams, following an arduous but rewarding  trail to a  peak, or challenging yourself on a technical climb up an ice wall. Whatever your physical ability or level of skill, our forest has many places to meet your interest.

Sport climbing locations:
West Side - sandstone desert climbs on BLM lands near the Dolores River
Durango Area - X Rock, East Animas, Golf Wall, Transfer Park Campground

Ice Climbing locations:
Silverton Area - Eureka area BLM lands, South Mineral Creek climbs
Purgatory Area - Cascade Creek
Pagosa Area - Treasure Falls, Wolf Creek Pass area

Alpine Rock locations:
Lizard Head Peak and Wilderness
La Plata Mountains
Ice Lakes Basin
Needle Mountains
Grenadiers