Boulder Floods Damage Climbing Access
The road in Eldorado Canyon was washed out, shutting off access to that world class climbing area.
AMGA joins other local and national organizations to offer money and expertise in trail restoration to local land managers.
Steady, heavy rainfall that began on September 11 dumped two feet of water on Boulder County, causing widespread destruction of its extensive network of trails and access to those trails and the climbing beyond. From Eldorado Canyon to the south, to Boulder Canyon to the north, all of Boulder’s most important climbing locations have been shut down for more than two weeks. Working with a consortium of regional and national organizations led by the Boulder Climbing Community (BCC), the American Mountain Guide Association is helping to organize volunteer resources and funding to rebuild trails and restore access.
“Not only did these devastating floods destroy the infrastructure of many towns along the front range, but they also cut off almost all access to climbing, running, and pretty much every outdoor activity in Boulder County,” said Executive Director Betsy Winter, a resident of Lyons, Colo., a town hit especially hard by the flood. “This means mountain guiding in the area has ended for the time being.”
In order to open access to these areas as soon as possible, the AMGA is working closely with the BCC, the American Alpine Club, the Access Fund, the Flatirons Climbing Council, and the Action Committee for Eldorado.
“One of the world’s premier destination climbing locations is inaccessible due to these horrendous floods, depriving local guides and the Boulder Community of the economic benefits of visitors at the peak of the fall climbing season,” Winter said. “Our guides stand ready to assist all local land managers with their efforts to reopen these important resources.
The road to crag recovery will be long, but in concert with local efforts and donations and thanks to the BCC and its operations manager Roger Briggs, we can accelerate the rebuilding process and get our hands back on the walls sooner.
Donations, Volunteer Opportunities, and Access Updates: If you would like to get involved in a local clean up or donate to trail repair, visit the BCC’s website by clicking here. Updated information about canyon, road, and trail closures can also be found on the site, as well as information about donations and volunteer trail restoration opportunities.
