"David Schwimmer offers a concise, 80-foot trad ascent on Boulder Canyon’s Main Wall with a memorable crux around the second bolt. Ideal for climbers stepping into trad, it blends stemming and crack moves into an accessible yet engaging pitch."
Set against the rugged granite faces of Boulder Canyon’s Main Wall, David Schwimmer is a brisk 80-foot trad route that channels pure climbing enjoyment without demanding a full-day commitment. Located just 15 feet left of the popular Shimmer climb, this line ascends a striking corner with a unique blend of crack and stemming moves. For climbers seeking a short but engaging pitch, the route offers a crux around the second bolt—a sharp, physical move that sends you soaring upwards with confidence once solved.
The rock here carries a solid feel with gritty texture beneath your fingertips, while the corner creates natural breaks for rests amid stretches of dynamic motion. Protection is straightforward and reassuring: three bolts placed above the initial gains, supplemented by traditional gear extending up to 3 inches in size. The route finishes at an independent bolted anchor, a reliable build distinct from the neighboring Shimmer anchors, allowing solo top-rope or belay setups without crowding.
Approaching David Schwimmer, you’ll find yourself weaving through Boulder Canyon’s characteristic groves of pines and low scrub, ambient sounds of rustling leaves offsetting clinks of gear and rope. The hike gains modest elevation, keeping you energized but not exhausted before the climb. Timing your ascent in the morning or late afternoon means catching the wall’s shaded sections, providing relief from mid-summer heat and enhancing grip on the granite’s warm-but-not-scorching surface.
Though the climb is short, it demands clear footwork and thoughtful gear placements. The stemming sections offer moments to engage body tension, testing balance rather than brute strength. The 5.9 rating aligns with classic Boulder bouldering grit—accessible to climbers ready to push just beyond beginner terrain but not overwhelmed by the complexity of multi-pitch routes.
Prepare with sturdy climbing shoes offering precision on edges, and carry a rack that includes cams and nuts up to 3 inches, plus slings to extend placements in the corner. Hydration is a must, especially as the south-facing approach can bake under sunfare despite wall shade. Watch the weather closely; afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in summer mountainous zones and a quick retreat might be necessary.
After topping out, descent is straightforward with a single rappel from the bolted anchor or a careful downclimb to the base, keeping an eye on loose rock and footing. Local climbers appreciate David Schwimmer for its blend of accessible challenge, compact scale, and scenic Boulder Canyon setting. It’s a natural first step for those advancing from sport climbing to trad, or a rewarding warm-up for seasoned climbers polishing their crack and stemming skills.
This route reveals Boulder’s granite personality with directness and a fresh burst of movement—the kind of climb that leaves you eager to return and explore the nearby climbs lining the canyon’s granite ribs.
While the route is well-protected, the stemming sections require confident footwork to avoid slips. Loose rock isn't a major concern but keep an eye during descent. Afternoon thunderstorms in the area can arrive fast—descend promptly if weather turns.
Approach in the cooler morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat on the approach trail.
Bring cams and nuts up to 3 inches for optimal protection in the corner.
Check weather forecasts carefully—afternoon storms can build quickly in summer.
Use climbing shoes with solid edging to handle stemming and crack sequences effectively.
Three bolts protect the upper section, with traditional pro placements available up to 3 inches in the corner below. The anchor is bolted and independent, providing a secure finishing point separate from Shimmer’s shared station.
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