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Forever Feels Like Home

Ouray, Colorado United States
slab
bolt-protected
single pitch
bulge crux
roof move
Ouray
sport climbing
Length: 85 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Forever Feels Like Home
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Forever Feels Like Home blends steady slab climbing with a compelling bulge crux that tests balance and precision. Located in the approachable Ouray Rotary Park, this single-pitch sport route invites climbers to refine slab skills amid crisp mountain air and reliable bolting."

Forever Feels Like Home

Forever Feels Like Home offers a refreshing challenge on a slab that steadily intensifies as you ascend toward a distinct bulge. Found in the heart of Ouray Rotary Park’s Rink Wall, this single-pitch sport climb rewards those who appreciate a blend of technical slab movement and a precise sequence around a crux feature. The route demands mindful footwork and balance on clean rock, as the slab leans steeper, inviting you to engage more actively with the holds. Approaching the bulge, the tension builds, and the climb’s character shifts — here, a careful traverse to the right skirts the main obstacle and leads you into an inviting crack that provides both rest and rhythm before threading through a roof section. This final push takes you to anchors positioned a few feet right of the nearby Dangling Participle route.

The setting itself contributes to the climb’s appeal — a quiet pocket of Colorado’s rugged landscape just outside of the town of Ouray. The wall’s sun-facing aspect provides warmth during cool months, while enough shade lingers for comfort during summer ascents. The 85-foot length feels substantial yet approachable, striking a balance ideal for a solid morning or afternoon outing.

Protection comes in the form of well-spaced bolts — about 14 in total — ensuring a reliable lead without the need for additional trad gear. The presence of coldshuts near the top streamlines the clip-in process, allowing climbers to focus on the movement instead of the hardware. While rated 5.9, the route leans toward the upper end of that grade due to the physical demands of negotiating the bulge and roof section, meaning climbers should be prepared for a brief but intense crux.

Planning your trip here involves straightforward access: Ouray Rotary Park is easily reached from town, with established trails guiding you to the base. The approach terrain is moderate and well-traveled, passing through juniper and sagebrush that seem to brush against your legs as you breathe in the crisp mountain air. Once at the wall, minimal scrambling ensures you reach the route quickly and safely.

To maximize your experience, climbing during the cooler parts of the day will keep rock temperature comfortable, especially in warmer months. Footwear with a precise edge will help maintain confidence on the slab, and bringing enough water is essential given the semi-arid environment surrounding the park. Pairing this climb with nearby routes can easily fill a rewarding day of sport climbing in this accessible Colorado cliffside.

Forever Feels Like Home embodies the essence of accessible adventure: a concise, engaging climb that sharpens skills and rewards focus and stamina. It calls to climbers eager to sharpen slab technique in the company of quiet mountain vistas, humming with the steady pulse of alpine air.

Climber Safety

Watch your clipping as bolting tightens near the bulge; maintain three points of contact on the steeper slab sections to prevent slips. The roof move can be strenuous, so ensure secure hand and foot placements before committing.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length85 feet

Local Tips

Start climbing early to enjoy cooler rock and avoid midday heat.

Use climbing shoes with a sharp edge for steady foot placements on the slab.

Carry sufficient water; the area's dry air can accelerate dehydration.

Approach trail is marked and manageable but wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:While graded a 5.9, Forever Feels Like Home feels like a solid upper 5.9 due to the crux bulge and roof sequence, which require precise movements and composure on steepening slab. Compared to other routes in Ouray’s Rink Wall, it demands equal parts mental focus and footwork finesse.

Gear Requirements

The route features approximately 14 well-spaced bolts topped with coldshuts, providing secure and straightforward protection. No additional trad gear is necessary, making it ideal for sport climbers focused on clean clipping and movement.

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Tags

slab
bolt-protected
single pitch
bulge crux
roof move
Ouray
sport climbing