Dry Run offers a compact but engaging climb that demands attention on Boulder Canyon’s Lower Right Side, tucked within the rugged confines of The Bowling Alley. This single-pitch sport route stretches approximately 30 feet, welcoming climbers with a surprisingly sustained vertical face that tests both technique and endurance around every hold. The wall features solid, well-formed grips, though they sit just slightly out of the ideal sequence, planting a subtle but persistent challenge that keeps your focus sharp from the ground to the anchor.

Approaching Dry Run, you’ll find the rock’s texture firm beneath your fingertips with a grainy character that offers reliable traction, even after repeated wear from passing climbers. This isn’t a climb where the handholds fall into place easily — it invites you to contend with its positioning, requiring measured moves and thoughtful clipping strategies, especially on the initial bolts. The first clip demands clear attention, where the fixed hardware sits in a less-than-perfect spot, nudging climbers to plan their approach and body position carefully to avoid awkward struggle or wasted energy.

Situated in Boulder Canyon, a location celebrated for dense climbing corridors and sharp granite faces, Dry Run’s 5.9 rating reflects a climb that balances accessible difficulty with a clean but committed challenge. While it might not dazzle with length, its strength rests in concentrated quality: Every move matters, and the wall doesn’t give more than what you earn. The three bolted clips ascend steadily toward a two-bolt anchor, equipped with solid rings at the top, allowing for a secure top-rope setup or multi-pitch descent.

Outside of the climb itself, Boulder Canyon offers a grounded outdoor experience with crisp mountain air and the elemental hum of the surrounding forest. The path to The Bowling Alley is straightforward, with well-maintained access that makes the approach a pleasant warm-up. Timing your climb for early morning or late afternoon can reward you with cooler conditions and softer sunlight, perfect for clear holds and sharper focus under changing shadows.

Gear preparation should emphasize quickdraws suitable for sport routes and an attentive mindset toward clipping efficiency, especially given the bolt placements. Climbers are advised to brush up on clipping under tension and maintaining strong core control to optimize movement on the vertical sections. Footwear with solid edging capacity helps navigate smatterings of smaller footholds peppered along the face.

With over 130 reviews lending it moderate community feedback, Dry Run commands respect as a solid training ground for those stepping up into more committed Yosemite Decimal System climbs in the Boulder area. It’s approachable yet focused, offering a pulse-quickening taste of sport climbing’s precise demands amid a scenic and accessible mountain environment.