Silverbell Boulders

I haven't been out there in over a decade, but my recollection is that this property went from ownership by Diamond Partners to the county as part of some open space initiative--I think it, and the ridge line behind it, was intended to be part of an extension of the Tucson mountain park. Back in the day, there were access issues, but it was never clear that the people who objected had a right to object. Also, the parking area across the street, as far as I know, remains private.

George.............is that you ?

it is-I'm pretty sure I know who you are(I don't know if you wish to control your anonymity)-I blame you for one of my knee injuries(torn meniscus) repeating a ground hugging traverse of yours out at silverbell

I once had the sobering and soul search inducing experience at silverbell of bouldering with a group, all of whom were born after I had first bouldered there-you must be getting up there, eh?

I still boulder pretty hard, but I have to pick my spots carefully, and I do take years off-my next big effort is to improve my soloing skills so I can increase my range of mountaineering choices (probably sierras, but maybe tetons-that's where murray will be this fall)

Seeing that there are so few options for climbing on this side of town I'm surprised more people aren't here. Does this area ever see any traffic? Also, I hiked up there the other day just seeing what was there, I'm guessing you're all talking about the one large boulder sitting at the top with the other face just off the back side of it? Seems like one of the few spots in the area with solid rock, I wonder why nothing is bolted a little higher up....

The area is absolutely private property and there have been times when it was posted (and also posted for sale circa 1997). I'd avoid drilling route there at all costs as it could leave to negative press and full closure.

walk softly.

The reason this area doesn't have more activity and bolting is because of a history of access issues.

Please avoid further development in this area, as it will likely lead to complete closure. We are lucky to have any access at all, so just enjoy what's there as it is.

Has anyone explored other bouldering options in the larger area of the northern Tucson Mts? Seems like there should be more between Gates and Silverbell.

Chris, the short answer is "yes". Murray explored the Tucson mtns pretty much end-to-end. He documented some of them in "Bouldering beyond Campbell" but not all. I know where a lot of them are and so does George Smith.

I can confirm that the boulders are now on public land, and bouldering is allowed. A couple months ago while bouldering at the upper boulders at night, three local Sheriff's deputies trudged up the hill to investigate calls about "weird lights radiating from the hillside". After making sure we weren't armed lunatics or escaped felons, they told us we were fine climbing there because it was indeed public land.

Did you mean that they give fines for climbing there, or that you were allowed to climb there? I'm a little slow and easily confused.

Trey -

Sorry if I was unclear. According to these officers, the land is public land and we are allowed to climb here.