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Bluefield Boulders

Virginia > Southwest Virginia (A…

ACCESS ALERT

Most of, and the best sections of this boulderfield are now posted and closed to access. A large section was dynamited and bulldozed for road expansion. The few boulders that are left and "legal" should be accessed in a careful and discrete manner. Please do not pass any private property signs and stay out of view of the road and houses.

Description

While the amount of established sandstone bouldering here is pretty little, the potintial for more exploration and the quality of rock is great. With almost no approach time to speak of, a well maintained trail to walk on, and a view that's worth a thousand words, you have everything you need to have a great bouldering session. It is unfortunate that there is so much trash, but I think some motivated climbers could improve that.

Also unfortunate, we've learned that about half of the boulders here were dynamited and bulldozed some time ago for an additional pull-off and likely the footprint for a new planned community or cul-de-sac.

The picnic tables conveniently placed within a stones throw from the blocks adds a nice touch, and there are grills to cook up some hamburgers while you session as well. The downfall to the area is that the park doesn't seem to be managed at all and it tends to get trashy. Also, some locals have spray painted the boulders here and there (although this surprisingly hasn't affected the bouldering as much as I would have expected). All and all the Bluefield boulders are a great asset to anyone nearby, its a unique and solitary place to session, and if you get a chance to pick up some litter while you're there it would be greatly appreciated.

The main boulder area consists of around 10 large boulders with everything from mega features on vertical faces to overhanging roofs with nothing but finger tip crimps to pull through. The slopers here are fantastic with unreal cool-weather friction.

This bouldering area is too small for any long distance travelers to visit, but if this sounds like a reasonable distance for you (B-Burg climbers), then I would recommend the drive.

Although the local Bluefield visitors apparently do not seem to value this area as much as I wish it were, it still makes for a great, small sandstone bouldering area. I encourage the "pack it out" mindset and urge anyone to pick up a little trash as you leave. This park is wonderful, but also uncared for.

Getting There

Take 598 to bluefield. When you reach the crest of the mountain, look for the massive radio antenna and the rest station on the right hand side of the road that is the Virginia/West Virginia line. park and avoid the large lower trail and head uphill on the smaller walking trail. you will see a long, short, spraypainted boulder. this is the first boulder in the Main Border Boulders Area.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Steve Lovelace standing in front of the old Stone Building which is built into the "Doorway Boulder". Bluefield Boulders.<br>
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-Note- This boulder no longer exists. When the state saw it necessary to tear down the decaying building, the fantastic sandstone boulder was likewise seen as something else that should be destroyed. You can find all that remains of it here on MP and the pieces left there in the gravel lot that takes its place.<br>
[Hide Photo] Steve Lovelace standing in front of the old Stone Building which is built into the "Doorway Boulder". Bluefield Boulders. -Note- This boulder no longer exists. When the state saw it ne…
Sticking to the first sloper on "Secant Line" (V-7)
[Hide Photo] Sticking to the first sloper on "Secant Line" (V-7)
Sticking the dyno onto "Sandy Slap (Center)" (V-5).
[Hide Photo] Sticking the dyno onto "Sandy Slap (Center)" (V-5).
About to begin the fun top out on "Deliverance" (V-4)
[Hide Photo] About to begin the fun top out on "Deliverance" (V-4)
Steve Lovelace Pulling down through "Coho" (V-4) on the "Warm-Up Roof".
[Hide Photo] Steve Lovelace Pulling down through "Coho" (V-4) on the "Warm-Up Roof".
climbing out of the "Warm Up Roof" (V-1) at the bluefield boulders Virginia/West Virginia
[Hide Photo] climbing out of the "Warm Up Roof" (V-1) at the bluefield boulders Virginia/West Virginia