The Pool Wall  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  8,000' Page Views:  11,195. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Jason Nelson on May 22, 2007 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 75° | 39° 77° | 39° 75° | 32° 75° | 36° 70° | 32°

BETA PHOTO: The Pool Wall viewed from the Ouray Hot Springs po...

Description 

The Pool Wall has Ouray's highest quantity of routes (over 70) and the shortest approach. The rock is a type of sandstone, something like that of Eldorado canyon, but blonde in color. That said, don't go expecting Eldorado Canyon like climbing. In some areas the bands of sandstone are separated by bands of shale (choss).
The climbing is generally technical in nature on small edges with the occasional pocket. A rack of sport draws and a 60m rope will get you up most of the climbs, but there are a few trad climbs and a few mixed bolt/trad ones.
Routes range from 5.5 to 5.13+ and it's difficult to tell which is which without the guidebook (Available at Ouray Mtn Sports). Well, you probably won't mistake the 5.13+ for a 5.5, but you know what I mean. I would say the best routes are in the 5.11 and 5.12 range, but there should be enough to entertain anyone for at least an afternoon, if not longer.
The Pool Wall gets shade in the morning and sun around noon.

Getting There 

Just North of Ouray across from the hot springs pool. Park at the Pool (not the mini golf center) and walk up the drainage across the street to the left of the mini golf center. There will be a gate and a NO TRESPASSING sign. Currently the land owner is allowing us to climb and the No Trespassing sign is for hikers on the Horsethief trail. The land from the approach gully to the Two Kids Mine is all on private property.

Walking straight up the gully into the canyon will take you to the Alcove. The alcove has the highest selection of easy routes, and a couple hard ones.

Take the trail going right out of the drainage to get to the rest of the climbs. Please stay on the trails, as the terrain is steep and loose. Trails access every part of this cliff, so there's no reason to go wandering around. Many of the trails cut back left from the main trail to the climbing areas.

Please do not try to hike around to the top of the climbs to set up top ropes. It's not pleasant (or safe) and you have a high likability of knocking rocks down.

1st attempt at Organization 

Alcove Routes:
New Arete (3 bolts, 5.6)
Butter Face
Groove in the Heart
Groove Tube
Test Drive
First Time Out
Keep On Keepin' On
Center Pocket
No Se
Romper Room
Mullet Days
The Viper Room
Ze Boom Boom Room
Silent but Deadly

The Classics

Featured Route For The Pool Wall

Ze Boom Boom Room 5.11  CO : Ouray vicinity (rock) : The Pool Wall

Pretty much the best 5.11 at the Pool Wall. Steep, balancey, juggy and a no hands rest just before clipping the anchors, right at the steepest part of the wall. Don't be put off by all the glue!...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO

Photos of The Pool Wall Slideshow

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BETA PHOTO: The Pool Wall with the areas and trails listed.

BETA PHOTO: Full Pool Wall Panoramic photo taken from the Pool...