Salida

I think I am working in Salida this summer and was wondering about climbing in and around Salida. I am not a very strong climber at all 5.8's and 5.9's any advice on anything (bouldering, sport, trad, toprope) would be awesome.

Look in Buena Vista, it's about 15-20 min north of Salida. The Turtle rocks vicinity has a good mix of climbs and is a beautifull area.

Pick up the update to the Arkansas Valley guidebook at the local shop in Buena Vista.

The San Luis Valley is a little farther, but has great sport climbing in Penitente and good bouldering around the area.

I spent a year in Buena Vista, right there by Salida, and the climbing in that valley will only make you very sad and very weak. Your best bet is Shelf Road an hour downstream. But being that you'll be there in summer..it'll be pretty warm there. So...If you're something other than a raft guide, live elsewhere.

Bob Dergay wrote:I spent a year in Buena Vista, right there by Salida, and the climbing in that valley will only make you very sad and very weak. Your best bet is Shelf Road an hour downstream. But being you'll be there in summer..it'll be pretty warm there. So...If you're something other than a raft guide, live elsewhere.

No disrespect, but you could not be more wrong. Tons of stuff around, but you have to be willing to approach a bit, or have a 4-wheel drive to get there.

England wrote: No disrespect, but you could not be more wrong. Tons of stuff around, but you have to be willing to approach a bit, or have a 4-wheel drive to get there.

You're right England- there is lots of stuff. And I was just in the process of re-editing my post to be a little more positive.

Here goes: if you like greasy, exfoliating granite slabs, that range up to an amazing 30 ft high; that all face the sun in the summer and will cook your body, while dulling your soul-- then you should move there now!

Better?

Yo, 8 years too late, sorry :) There's a bunch of highly-featured rock above town at the top of Salida trails which seems undeveloped, i.e. up near Uncle Nasty. There are lots of pockets and friction is great, just beware that the rock can be fragile and break off. 

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