Rock-Climbing
East Animas. East Animas, just a few miles east of town, serves up some of the area's best multipitch traditional climbing on the "Watch Crystal" rock formation, a favorite with locals. You'll also find excellent bolted sport lines. The parking area is on the east side of the road. Off County Rd. 250, 2 miles east of U.S. 550, Durango, Colorado.
San Juan National Forest. There are plenty of opportunities for climbing in the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest, just outside of Durango. Some of the more popular spots are Cascade Canyon, Golf Wall, and Fume Wall. U.S. Forestry office, 15 Burnett Ct., Durango, Colorado, 80301. 970/247–4874; www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan.
X-Rock. Just north of town, X-Rock offers a little bit of everything—slab, sport and crack climbs, bouldering—for novice and intermediate climbers. It's also a great place to learn (or just brush up on) basic climbing skills. One look at the distinctive natural cracks that cross its face will tell you how it got its name. Off U.S. 550, just north of 38th St., Durango, Colorado.
