This area has access issues. Please read the details below.
Description
A fun little desert bouldering area. Not too many problems, but more quality than Gate's Pass. This area does not see quite the climbing action it once saw, but is well worth the visit. The rock is very much like that of some of the famous eastern Sierra bouldering areas near Bishop (Happy Boulders).
I have read and been told that these boulders are located on private property. There is no sign posted, and I have never heard of any problems with bouldering here. Still best to practice "leave no trace", so climbers can continue to enjoy these boulders.
Getting There
There are many different options, but I will go with what I believe to be the easiest one. From Tucson, take I-10 towards Marana and exit at Cortaro Rd. Turn left (south) and drive until you intersect Silverbell. Take a right. Drive on Silverbell a good ways and almost completely through Marana until it forks. Go right. Follow Silverbell around until it goes up and over a small pass. You will see a large dirt pullout on the left. The boulders are on the right side of the road directly off the road after a few minutes walk.
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.
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.
By James DeRoussel Administrator From: Tucson, AZ Aug 21, 2008
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.
Silverbell Boulders
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