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Elevation: 4,023 ft
GPS: 38.65078, -109.48395
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 366,045 total · 1,376/month
Shared By: ben jammin on May 12, 2002
Admins: slim, Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C
Warning Access Issue: RAIN, WET ROCK and RAPTOR CLOSURES: The sandstone around Moab is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. Also please ask and be aware of Raptor Closures in areas such as CAT WALL and RESERVOIR WALL in Indian Creek DetailsDrop down

The Word Suggest change

When it comes to quality and quantity, in such a small area, it's hard to beat Big Bend. Add the convenience of beautiful riverside camping, zero approach and a dizzying array of other things to do (I hear there's crack climbing), you'll be missing out if you skip over Moab on your next road trip. The best season is October through March but bouldering can be had year round. Be cautioned, however, summers in the desert can be as hot as sin and although winters are generally mild, you'll want to check the forecast as storms do roll through. If you find yourself freezing in Joe's Valley odds are good it will be sunny with crisp temps at Big Bend.

The climbing is generally skin friendly, with great landings and with a few notable exceptions aren't toooo highball. You can certainly have a great time on your own with a single pad. With grades from V0 to V-hard there is truly something for everyone. With that, no Big Bend description is complete without mentioning the grades. Big Bend was established by legends such as John Sherman, Dan Osman and Tom Gilge with local hardmen Noah Bigwood and Eric Decaria putting up some of the hardest test pieces. Raised in a strict local ethic you won't be seeing many of these problems being downgraded, to say the least. This is best exemplified by Circus Trick, probably the hardest V4 on the planet. I have seen many a hardmen and women reduced to tears (literally!) on this stout area test piece. Many of the area's V0's and V1's will feel hard for the grade.

The rock is Wingate Sandstone which can and will break. DO NOT CLIMB ON WET SANDSTONE! Sandstone is very porous and will break much easier when wet. Please allow at least 24 hours to dry and the general rule of thumb is if the ground is wet, the rock is wet. Also, if exploring for new boulders please be careful not to step on Cryptobiotic Soil; don't bust the crust yo!

Please be respectful of the desert.

Getting There Suggest change

Heading North out of Moab take Hwy 128 just before you hit the Colorado River. Follow 'River Road' 8.1 miles to a pull off on the right after the Big Bend Campground. It's hard to miss these boulders as they are about 20 feet from the road and an abundance of chalk can easily be seen as you drive past.

98 Total Climbs

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Location: Big Bend Bouldering Area Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Big Bend Bouldering Area

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V1 5
 211
Center Start
Boulder
V2 5+
 210
Slots of Fun
Boulder
V2 5+
 154
Hueco Cranks
Boulder
V2-3 5+
 131
Mr. Trujillo's Big Day
Boulder
V4 6B
 101
Brown Power
Boulder
V4 6B
 93
Washed Up
Boulder
V5 6C
 7
The Grim Reacher
Boulder
V5 6C
 126
Block Party
Boulder
V5 6C
 39
Basketball Diaries
Boulder
V5 6C
 15
Army of Darkness
Boulder
V6 7A
 116
Circus Trick
Boulder
V6 7A
 11
Circus Trick Right
Boulder
V7 7A+
 12
Black Angus
Boulder
V8 7B
 24
Chaos
Boulder
V10-11 8A
 7
Hell Belly
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Center Start Black Box
 211
V1 5 Boulder
Slots of Fun Black Box
 210
V2 5+ Boulder
Hueco Cranks Hueco Traverse Boulder
 154
V2 5+ Boulder
Mr. Trujillo's Big Day Flat Top Boulder
 131
V2-3 5+ Boulder
Brown Power Block Top Boulder
 101
V4 6B Boulder
Washed Up Wash Boulder
 93
V4 6B Boulder
The Grim Reacher Chaos Boulder
 7
V5 6C Boulder
Block Party Block Top Boulder
 126
V5 6C Boulder
Basketball Diaries Army of Darkness Boulder
 39
V5 6C Boulder
Army of Darkness Army of Darkness Boulder
 15
V5 6C Boulder
Circus Trick Chaos Boulder
 116
V6 7A Boulder
Circus Trick Right Chaos Boulder
 11
V6 7A Boulder
Black Angus Various Areas
 12
V7 7A+ Boulder
Chaos Chaos Boulder
 24
V8 7B Boulder
Hell Belly Chaos Boulder
 7
V10-11 8A Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Big Bend Bouldering Area »

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