The bouldering near Red Cliff is a little rock climbing oasis full of deciduous trees, wildflowers, tall grasses, clear streams and serenity. It’s about two hours from Golden, close to the charming town of Minturn, Colorado.

Nate warming up on the rad boulders in the old town dump.

Nate warming up on the rad boulders in the old town dump.

Andrew reeling in the gaston on a mega classic V6 near Red Cliff.

Andrew reeling in the gaston on a mega classic V6 near Red Cliff.

Eager to escape the onslaught of too many people, traffic and lines at the crags nearest Golden, we left early one Sunday morning to meet our friends, Kari and Nate, their dog, Danni, and their friend Andrew, for some pebble wrestling in the woods.

Now that is some cute shit right there.

Now that is some cute shit right there.

The photos only capture a snippet of this place and it’s winsomeness (it’s difficult to believe this field of boulders once hosted the town landfill). The rock quality is great, the landings are impeccable, no crowds or traffic to speak of, and climbing with great friends can’t be beat.

Robyn on the warm-up circuit.

Robyn on the warm-up circuit.

Nate makin' it look easy.

Nate makin’ it look easy.

Robyn locking in on the heel-hook.

Robyn locking in on the heel-hook.

We had an excellent Sunday with these four and certainly look forward to more bouldering sessions near Red Cliff soon. Heck, we may even check out the sport climbing. I’ve heard great things and if it is nearly as good as the bouldering, I foresee a lot of trips back this way.

Robyn on some awesome boulders near Red Cliff.

Robyn on some awesome boulders near Red Cliff.

The slab that nobody else wanted to do. You're on your own there Nate.

The slab that nobody else wanted to do. You’re on your own there Nate.

Andrew in the zone.

Andrew in the zone.