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Elevation: 4,214 ft
GPS: 37.41373, -118.44716
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 835,176 total · 3,797/month
Shared By: AWinters on Feb 23, 2006
Admins: Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Read the BLM Happy Boulders page before you visit DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

The Happy Boulders offer highly concentrated world-class volcanic bouldering with hundreds of worthy problems ranging from simple to ridiculous.

Long shadowed by the more well-known and publicized Buttermilks, more and more climbers are realizing the potential inside the Happy Boulders canyon. Most first-time visitors will be overwhelmed by the amount of projects they just gathered and will find themselves making time to return. Some say at the Happies your muscles will fail first, whereas in the Buttermilks its usually your skin that will be your reason for leaving. Regardless, it's nice to have the options so close. Visitors experiencing Bishop in the colder months can find shelter and warmer temps here rather than the exposed, wind-swept, and higher-elevated Buttermilks.

* * * * * * STAY OFF THE PLANTS, STAY ON TRAIL & PACK OUT ALL TRASH * * * * * *

The rock, which looks brittle and crumbly with a quick glance is surprisingly bomber volcanic Bishop Tuff - just be weary on high top-outs that may not see much traffic. The boulders found here offer faces that challenge every technique - most notably is the abundance of finger pockets which are found in most zones. You'll also find steep, gymnastic juggy overhangs and crimpy faces, as well as low traverses and unlimited eliminates and link-ups. Cracks of wide ranges can be found on the rim along with easy and scary highballing... it's all here. The landings are flat, the boulders are jam-packed, and everyone in your posse will find what they're looking for.

Read more at the BLM Happy Boulders page.

The Happy Canyon with Mt Tom and the Wheeler Crest in the background

Getting There Suggest change

From US 395 in Bishop, take US 6 north out of town towards Benton/Chalfant/Tonopah. After 1.3 miles, turn left on Five Bridges Rd. Follow this down the straightaway around the left-hand curve, past the Aggregate Plant to a 4-way intersection where the pavement turns to dirt. Take a left on Chalk Bluff Rd. Follow for 2.3 miles and park on the left side of the road. The canyon can easily be seen to your right, up the hill.

Pulling through the easy section of Black Magic.

530 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Happy Boulders

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V0 4 PG13
 140
The Pursuit of Wow
Boulder
V1 5 PG13
 669
Heavenly Path
Boulder
V2 5+
 103
Not The Clapper
Boulder
V3 6A
 79
Rio's Secret Arete
Boulder
V3 6A R
 156
Black Magic
Boulder
V4 6B
 601
Solarium
Boulder
V4 6B
 472
Ketron Classic
Boulder
V4 6B
 92
The Flying Zebra
Boulder
V5 6C
 429
Serengeti
Boulder
V5 6C PG13
 81
Rene
Boulder
V6 7A
 346
The Hulk
Boulder
V6 7A R
 90
Atari
Boulder
V6 7A PG13
 155
Mister Witty
Boulder
V6 7A
 175
Every Color You Are
Boulder
V7+ 7A+
 66
Morning Dove White
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
The Pursuit of Wow Tom Peter's Sla… > Tom Peter's Slab
 140
V0 4 PG13 Boulder
Heavenly Path Central Happine… > Heavenly Path Boulder
 669
V1 5 PG13 Boulder
Not The Clapper W Rim Area > Clapper Area > Clapper Boulder
 103
V2 5+ Boulder
Rio's Secret Arete E Rim Area > Sixty Foot Woma… > Secret Arete Boulder
 79
V3 6A Boulder
Black Magic E Rim Area > Blood Simple Area > Black Magic Boulder
 156
V3 6A R Boulder
Solarium Central Happine… > Solarium Boulder
 601
V4 6B Boulder
Ketron Classic Savannah Area > Savannah Boulder
 472
V4 6B Boulder
The Flying Zebra Serengeti Area > Serengeti Boulder
 92
V4 6B Boulder
Serengeti Serengeti Area > Serengeti Boulder
 429
V5 6C Boulder
Rene W Rim Area > Hand to Hand Co… > Hand to Hand Combat Wall
 81
V5 6C PG13 Boulder
The Hulk Central Happine… > Happy Boulder
 346
V6 7A Boulder
Atari E Rim Area > Atari Area
 90
V6 7A R Boulder
Mister Witty W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 155
V6 7A PG13 Boulder
Every Color You Are W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 175
V6 7A Boulder
Morning Dove White W Rim Area > Desert Skies/Morning…
 66
V7+ 7A+ Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Happy Boulders »

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