The Grohman Boulders are located in Nelson, BC and is currently Nelson’s main bouldering area. It has been developed and re-cleaned by a number of people since the 90’s (a little mossier here) but features super clean coast-like granite right on the river 5 minutes from town. Big surge in popularity lately and nothing has ever been properly documented until now.
Tomas O’Braoin on The Axe (v3). Photo courtesy of Allen Rollin ©
Here is a note from the author of the topo, Allen Rollin.
The climbing here consists of some really textured, high quality, fine-grained granite similar to the coast. Unlike a lot of the rock around the immediate Nelson area these boulders are full of features, which makes for 105 awesome boulder problems of all grades and styles. Many of the lines follow lips, cracks and arêtes and offer a unique climbing experience that is signature to the bouldering here. There is a ton of good climbing and combined with the view, atmosphere and proximity to town, this is THE best bouldering to be had in Nelson, B.C.
Courtesy of Allen Rollin ©
The following is taken directly from the guidebook courtesy of Allen Rollin.
Directions:
From the 4-Way stop at the end of Baker St. drive 3.5kms towards Castlegar on highway 3A/6 (west) to a large gravel pullout on your right (north) where the passing lane ends. Walk down some rock stairs to where you come across a sign indicating ‘Grohman Boulders’ and the start of the trail. The ‘Cave’ boulders are about 2 minutes down the trail and the rest are no longer than 10 minutes from here, strewn along in close vicinity to the tracks and the river.
Allen Rollin on Peninsula Pinch (V6). Photo courtesy of Allen Rollin ©
Information:
Nelson is a wonderful & unique city located in the heart of the West Kootenay’s. You will find everything you need here from climbing gear to groceries and live entertainment. Spending some time camping, hiking, shopping on Baker St. and indulging in a great coffee at one of our ‘Day Bars’ should also be accompanied with climbing when visiting the area.
As far as the climbing season goes here, spring can be awesome due to our early and usually sunny skies and mild temperatures. June is when the rain comes and from July to September, it’s hot. Thankfully 90% of the bouldering at Grohman is shaded and there is a river to swim in. The fall is usually good sending weather and its very colorful. From about November until sometime in the end of March, it precipitates. Tons of snow is what bring people (and keeps them) here in the Nelson area. Famous for its deep snow, don’t expect to climb outside during these months, although Castlegar & Nelson both have climbing gyms.
Nick Seymour on Heavy Metal. Photo courtesy of Allen Rollin ©
Topo for Grohman Boulders – Part one (information only)
Topo for Grohman Boulders – Part two (topos of each area)
Special Note on Access: Please do your best to keep a low profile while walking the tracks seeing is how it is actually private property and we are not supposed to be trespassing here. As of late the RCMP & CP Rail Employees have been cracking down on the Squatters and the trespassing. They don’t seem to mind us climbers YET, but do please limit your time on the tracks and pick up after yourself. This could be a touchy situation and we don’t want to jeopardize our access to this wonderful place. There are signs in place at each bouldering area to ease with finding your way around and the trails are in relatively good form, please use them.
Nick Seymour on Ribbed for your Pleasure (V5). Photo courtesy of Allen Rollin ©
Special thanks to Allen Rollin for putting such amazing work into the development and topo for this area. Be sure to read this special note for access below.
