TAYLOR ROY: Endo Valley Bouldering

Monday, May 7, 2012

Endo Valley Bouldering

I came back from the Red feeling weak so I decided to do something unusual. I went bouldering outside!

Leah on an unnamed V4.

I wanted to see something new, so we decided to check out Endo Valley. This little sector in RMNP was rediscovered by Dave Graham and crew a couple of years ago and was surrounded by a little bit of controversy and tension. Luckily, in typical Colorado style, everyone did everything quickly, and then moved on to the next hot spot- leaving the masses another beautiful bouldering area, with a very short approach, and a nice concentration of problems from V0 to V13.

Success!

We hooked up with our friends Matt and John who are die hard boulderers. Being a route climber, I was anxious to leave at 9am. They, on the other hand, suggested noon. So, at 12:30 we rolled out of town and did the one hour drive to Endo Valley.

Leah trying the MS 13 Training Arete V8.

My first impression of the area was WOW! I was immediately struck by the size and quantity of huge, well featured boulders that laid on top of each other creating everything from slabs to absurdly steep caves. Another thing I really liked about Endo was that most of the boulder problems seem to fall between V8-V11- making it a good place for mere mortals to go.
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Matt on the MS 13 Training Arete V8.

Since the area is small, it can get crowded quickly. However, this means more pads, more beta, more spots(hopefully), and it forces you to make some new friends.

Another view of the MS 13 Training Arete V8.

Unfortunately, it's getting a bit too warm for Endo, but I will definitely be back when it cools off again. Thanks to everyone that helped establish problems, and fix landings. This place is awesome!