Ready to take your indoor climbing gym bouldering skills outdoors? Morrison Boulders is a must-visit Colorado climbing area for climbers looking to tackle some outdoor boulder problems.
Where are the Morrison Boulders
The Morrison Boulders are located in Morrison, Colorado, which is famous for being the home of the world-class outdoor music venue, Red Rocks Amphitheater. These “boulders” are actually part of a cliffside that sits just above the historic town of Morrison on Morrison Road.
While you’re here, check out Where to Rock Climb in Golden, CO!
How to get to Morrison Boulders climbing area
When you think of rock climbing in Morrison, CO, the first thing that should come to mind is the Morrison Boulders, as it is an iconic outdoor bouldering spot close to Denver.
Driving Directions
- From Denver, take Highway C-470 to Morrison Road towards downtown Morrison. The Morrison Boulders are the obvious rock formation on the right after the gas station.
- From Evergreen, take Highway 74 through Bear Creek Canyon and into downtown Morrison. The Morrison Boulders will be the obvious rock formation on your left.
Parking for Morrison Boulders
Because Morrison is a popular tourist destination, the town has implemented a paid parking system. At each parking location, there are signs with QR codes in order to pay.
For free parking, park in the Morrison Park and Ride lot by the Conoco gas station off Highway C-470. You will have to walk along the road to meet one of the access trails up to the bouldering area, so use caution.
Below is an image with parking and access trails highlighted for the Morrison Boulders:
Morrison Boulders Access Trail
There is no one marked trail that leads up to the crag. Instead, there are a number of primitive, unmarked climber’s trails that go up to the bouldering area. Chances are if you are parked near the bouldering area and see a trail, it will get you up to the crag.
The trails are very narrow and in some places quite steep, so wear shoes that won’t slip easily. There are rattlesnakes in this area, as well as lots of cacti, so be aware of your surroundings.
Morrison Boulders rock climbing areas
The Morrison Boulders are an increasingly popular outdoor bouldering area, and as such many climbing holds are polished over and heavily chalked. Because of this, some might compare Morrison Boulders to an outdoor climbing gym – however, that is part of its charm!
Black Hole Morrison
The Black Hole is the most popular area at Morrison Boulders as it houses some of the area’s most classic bouldering problems, including the Helicopter (V5) or Breashears’ Crack (V2).
The Lobby Morrison
Just below the Black Hole is the Lobby. Many serious outdoor boulderers will warm up here before heading into the Black Hole. The lobby has some nice traverses and is not as steep as the Black Hole.
The Dark Side Morrison
The Dark Side is across Morrison Road from the main Morrison Boulders area. This side of the road does not get as much sun as the main area, hence the Dark Side name. Because of this, it is a nice place to go to beat the heat in the summer months.
To get to the Dark Side boulders, park in the dirt pullout on Soda Lakes Road (across from the Conoco gas station) and walk past the pullout to the obvious trail up to the boulders.
More bouldering areas
Other areas at Morrison Boulders worth checking out are the Mezzanine, which is the bouldering area furthest left and the most secluded; the Tree Slab, which is a large slab boulder (near a tree) with a few easier bouldering problems, ranging from V0 to V3; and The Cockpit, which is a small cave with a few bouldering problems.
What gear do you need for outdoor bouldering?
The essential outdoor bouldering gear consists of climbing shoes, bouldering pad(s), and a chalk bag with climbing chalk. There are no ropes used in outdoor bouldering, so if you fall, you are not protected. The more bouldering pads you have, the safer outdoor bouldering becomes, so climb with friends (that have bouldering pads, of course)!
Links to my favorite outdoor bouldering gear: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!
- Bouldering crash pad: Metolius Magnum Crash Pad – this GIANT crash pad is the best way to get the most bang for your buck. The bigger the better (and safer)!
- Beginner climbing shoes:
- Men: La Sportiva Tarantulace climbing shoes – comparatively cheap climbing shoes that are great for beginner climbers
- Women: Evolv Elektra climbing shoes – comfy & easy shoes for starting out. You’ll never want to give these up!
- Climbing chalk bag: Chalk bag with smartphone pocket – there is no need to spend a lot of money on a chalk bag. This one has a pocket for your phone!
- Climbing chalk: Climbing chalk – don’t spend a lot of money on chalk.
How to find climbing routes and climbing grades at Morrison Boulders
For climbing routes, grades, photos, and beta for Morrison Boulders, visit or download the Mountain Project app.
While you’re here, check out Where to Rock Climb in Golden, CO!
