Spring climbing

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

By Pocholo Martinez

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-With the spring mud, rain and snow season in full effect, the off-season climbing in Jackson can leave one wishing he had taken a trip to someplace sunny, warm, and tropical. Seeing friends off to places like Costa Rica, Mexico, South Africa, and Utah is almost enough to make one wish for unemployment.

But since you’re here, and unless you’re willing to hike through a season’s worth of snow or drive a few hours, your climbing options are limited. So when the weather clears, one valley gem to visit, just a 30-minute drive into Grand Teton National Park is Boulder Town.

Located at the Cathedral turnout on the Jenny Lake Loop Road, Boulder Town consists of six glacier erratics. These granite boulders provide climbing for a wide range of skills levels on lines both natural and aesthetic. On these problems, one can encounter slabs, laybacks on huge flakes, overhanging heel hooks, crimpy lock-offs, committing dynos, and high-ball roofs that make your crashpad look like a postage stamp and make you question your spotter’s attention span.

The rocks themselves can be comfortably textured with slopers and edges made for gripping, or they can be sharp enough to draw blood on a sloppy throw or by simply applying your weight to the hold. All this, with the Cathedral group for a backdrop.

Although it lacks the quantity that bouldering destinations have, the quality and the setting are worth a visit or more. You’re bound to find yourself driving back for a problem you were close to finishing, until you ran out of daylight, skin or strength.

PERMALINK:
Spring climbing | Planet JH News Article: Sports & Recreation

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