Rock Climbing & Bouldering
Outdoor rock climbing and bouldering offer good conditions in June before peak summer heat sets in, and bouldering needs no overnight gear for a day trip.
REC Safe Climbing & Bouldering
Our R.E.C. Tenets, applied on the rock:
- R — Ready
gear checked, every time - E — Educated
get real instruction - C — Cautious
weather, rock quality
Top 10 Climbing & Bouldering Safety Tips
- Get instruction before you climb outdoors, roped or bouldering — this is a technical skill, not something to improvise.
- Double-check your harness, knot, and belay device before leaving the ground, every time.
- Use a spotter and crash pads for bouldering. Falls are short but frequent.
- Inspect holds and rock quality. Outdoor rock isn't as predictable as a gym wall.
- Wear a helmet for roped outdoor climbing. Rockfall is a real risk outside.
- Check the weather. Wet rock dramatically increases fall risk.
- Warm up and know your limits. Most climbing injuries are overuse or a rushed warm-up.
- Never climb alone on ropes. Climb with a partner who knows proper belay technique.
- Respect seasonal closures for nesting raptors or fragile rock.
- Carry a first aid kit. Falls and scrapes happen even on easy routes.
Recommended Items to Bring
- Climbing shoes
- Harness (roped climbing)
- Belay device and locking carabiner (roped climbing)
- Crash pad(s) (bouldering)
- Helmet
- Chalk bag
- First aid kit
- Water
- Rope and quickdraws, or a guide's
- Appropriate footwear for the approach hike
New to climbing? A certified guide service or your local climbing gym's outdoor program is the safest way to learn — this isn't a sport to self-teach from a video.
See also: Top 10 Camping Safety Tips and Alpine terrain.