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Darby Canyon

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Route O ("Red" Route) 


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Darby Canyon

Submitted By: Andy Laakmann on Aug 4, 2007
Elevation: 7,000 feet
Latitude: 43.6769  Longitude: -111.0238 
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Typical Darby canyon climbing.


Description 

Darby Canyon is a large canyon draining the West slope of the Tetons. It is most famous for a popular hike to a cave. Recently, a small but enjoyable crag has been developed featuring about 20 routes. This crag is definitely not a destination, but if you are in the area (or are a local) - it is worth a visit.

The climbing is on south facing limestone, and is in the sun until very late afternoon. Upon first hiking up the view is rather underwhelming - but the climbing is suprisingly enjoyable. The routes are short, but engaging, and require good technical slab climbing skills. Most climbs are in the 5.8-5.10 range.

Technically, this crag is in Wyoming (barely), but is accessed through Idaho so I've placed it in Idaho.

I've only climbed the routes listed - and the rock quality was generally good. There are another 10 climbs further right, which look good but have received less traffic - so I suspect they haven't cleaned up as much yet.

NOTE: All star ratings are relative to other routes on this wall, so take them with a grain of salt (or piece of limestone). Grades listed are my opinion, and they differ from some of the other published material.


Getting There 

Between Victor and Driggs (in eastern Idaho), turn East on 300 Street. You should immediately see a sign for Darby Canyon after you turn. Follow this until it ends, and turn right and follow the dirt road for about 2 miles into the canyon. Park at a turnout on the left with a Forest Service 034 sign. If you cross the creek on the road, you've gone too far. Hike up the main trail for a few minutes, and take the first trail on the right. This second trail is very well defined, so don't turn on any others accidentally. The second trail climbs up the ridge for a bit, and then cuts way right to the crags. It is about a 10-15 minute approach.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Darby Canyon:
Route J   5.10+     Sport, 1 pitch, 59 feet   
Route O ("Red" Route)   5.10c/d     Sport, 1 pitch, 45 feet   
Route K   5.11a     Sport, 1 pitch, 40 feet   
Browse More Classics in Darby Canyon

Photos of Darby Canyon Slideshow Add Photo
The crag from below.

BETA PHOTO: The crag from below.

From Left to Right - <br />E (5.9+)<br />F (5.10-)<br />G (5.7)<br />H (5.10-)<br />I (5.9+)<br />J (5.10+)

BETA PHOTO: From Left to Right -
E (5.9+)
F (5.10-)
G (5.7)
H...

Route K. 5.11 b/c

BETA PHOTO: Route K. 5.11 b/c

Typical Darby canyon climbing.

Typical Darby canyon climbing.