Apple Cider offers a straightforward yet engaging trad climbing experience within the rugged East Animas landscape near Durango, Colorado. This two-pitch route stretches approximately 150 feet and challenges climbers with a blend of crack systems and chimney moves that reward steady technique and route-finding skills. The climb begins on a sizable right-facing flake, inviting a confident hand jam and foot placements that feel solid against the worn stone. As you approach a roof, the climb demands a careful maneuver up and right to reach the next crack — a transition that feels like the river’s current shifting beneath your hands, urging you onward with steady resolve.

The chimney section that follows tests your balance and body positioning, letting you work out your rhythm on a natural groove that leads to a small ledge where a bolted anchor stands ready. This spot offers a moment to breathe in the surroundings; the rocky outcrop opens views of pine-studded slopes and distant mountain ridges under a vast Colorado sky.

Pitch two continues on broken rock terrain that requires careful footwork to maintain flow. You’ll traverse across a boulder flake to reconnect with a crack system, climbing steadily to reach the final bolted anchor. The rock’s texture shifts here, a reminder that no two moments on the wall are quite the same — rough surfaces invite confident smears, while pockets offer discreet holds for fingers hungry to grip.

Approaching descent demands the same awareness as the climb itself. Two rappels bring you safely back to solid footing, but caution is essential: after the first rappel, loose rock is prone to fall, stirred by rope pulls if not managed carefully. This underlines the importance of solid rope handling and helmet use, particularly in the rocky canyon environment where the wind carries sounds sharp and clear.

For those gearing up to tackle Apple Cider, bringing a standard East Animas rack including a #3 Camalot will cover protection needs. The placements vary from solid jam cracks to sections requiring precise pro selection for secure holds. While the route rates a moderate 5.8, the grading feels approachable with good technique, though the chimney and roof transitions inject moments that can test less experienced climbers.

East Animas’ climbing environment is a gem of southwestern Colorado — it’s unpolished, honest, and rich with the natural character of exposed cliffs and forested trails. Apple Cider is well-suited for adventurers who appreciate climbs that balance physical engagement with technical nuance, combined with the backdrop of crisp mountain air and quiet wilderness.

Timing your climb in late spring through early fall is ideal; early morning shade lingers on cool rock, but afternoon sun quickly warms surfaces and the valley below. With over 70 votes averaging just under three stars, Apple Cider provides a dependable experience that fits well into a day’s climbing itinerary in the region.

Overall, Apple Cider crafts an inviting encounter with traditional climbing—basic yet demanding enough to sharpen skills while offering a strong sense of place. It’s an ideal next step for climbers ready to move beyond beginner routes and into the heart of East Animas’ rocky ridges.