Jurassic Bloc Boulder Guide in 10 Mile Canyon, Colorado

Frisco, Colorado
power start
fragile flake
morning shade
talus approach
traversing routes
high elevation
sharp rock
Length: 15 ft
Type: Boulder
Stars
Pitches
bouldering
Protected Place
10 Mile Canyon
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Jurassic Bloc offers high-elevation bouldering challenges tucked in Colorado’s 10 Mile Canyon. From powerful starts to creative traverses, this fresh boulder invites climbers to engage with its sharp features and morning shade on a short, scenic approach."

Jurassic Bloc Boulder Guide in 10 Mile Canyon, Colorado

Rising at an elevation of 9,308 feet within 10 Mile Canyon, Colorado, Jurassic Bloc presents a raw, compelling playground for boulderers seeking fresh challenges and quality movement. This compact boulder offers a handful of standout problems that all start with a strong, powerful move—demanding commitment and precision right from the first hold. Climbers can also opt for a stand start on the flat jug, which eases the initial difficulty by approximately one grade, making some problems accessible and fun even for those still building strength and technique. For those drawn to creative sequences, traversing routes along the boulder's right side open up opportunities to link moves laterally, injecting variety into the session.

The area has a certain untamed allure given its relatively recent development. The rock still carries the marks of its untouched status with some needs for cleaning left to the community’s care. Notably, the “tongue” flake is a defining but delicate feature—sharp to the touch and potentially unstable, requiring climbers to tread mindfully to preserve the rock’s integrity and their own safety. This shallow flake might eventually detach, so respect for the formation is paramount.

Jurassic Bloc benefits from generous morning shade stretching into the early afternoon, providing climbers a refuge from the sun and the often intense Colorado altitude. This timing allows sessions to be planned comfortably within warmer months or on bright but cool days, enhancing the overall experience.

Approaching Jurassic Bloc is straightforward yet scenic. From the Mount Royal parking lot, climbers follow the Tenmile Recreation path westward along the canyon. Approximately half a mile in, a small cairn on the left signals the turnoff. From here, the trail ascends and winds right through a talus field guided by additional cairns, eventually veering toward the boulder itself. The entire approach takes about ten minutes, making it an accessible warm-up that transitions quickly from trail to climbing.

Classic problems here speak to a range of abilities and offer benchmarks for bouldering progression. Noteworthy climbs include '280 Portions of Brain Grain' (V7), 'Chicxulub Impactor' (V6), 'Descendants of Dinosaurs' (V2), 'Hold On To Your Butts' (V5), and 'Sue' (V6). Each route provides a unique test of power, technique, and movement flow. While the grade range leans toward the intermediate to advanced spectrum, the area’s setting and problem variety hold appeal for dedicated boulderers looking to push limits in a stunning alpine canyon.

Jurassic Bloc sits within the broader context of the 10 Mile Bouldering area, a well-regarded climbing destination known for its high-elevation access and quality rock. Climbers visiting this zone should bring at least two pads to negotiate the landing zones safely and be prepared for the firm, sharp texture of the rock. Given the delicate “tongue” flake and the need for community stewardship, brushing and cleaning should be conducted responsibly with minimal disruption.

Plan your visit for spring through fall when weather conditions are most stable, avoiding high precipitation days and winter cold at altitude. The morning shade invites early starts or mid-morning arrivals, while finishing climbs before late afternoon helps avoid warmer sun exposure. Descending is a simple walk off the boulder and along the talus, though attention to footing is important on loose rocks.

The Jurassic Bloc is a fresh gem in Colorado’s bouldering crown, a place where raw rock meets purposeful challenge. Whether you’re here for a power test, tactical traverses, or simply to soak in the rugged mountain air, this boulder delivers a pure climbing experience that blends nature’s toughness with climbers’ tenacity. Take care of the fragile features and leave the area as pristine as you found it, so this new classic can grow into a cherished destination for years to come.

Climber Safety

The 'tongue' flake is a sharp and potentially unstable feature—climbers should avoid applying excessive force to preserve its condition and to reduce risk. Also, watch footing on loose talus during approach and descent.

Area Details

TypeBoulder
Pitchesbouldering
Length15 feet

Local Tips

Approach from Mount Royal parking lot via Tenmile Rec path and follow cairns through talus for about 10 minutes.

Start climbs from the stand jug for easier variations, reducing difficulty by roughly one grade.

Avoid excessive brushing near the sharp 'tongue' flake to preserve this fragile feature.

Plan climbs for morning shade extending into early afternoon; weather is best spring through fall.

Area Rating

Quality
Consensus:Jurassic Bloc’s climbing grades range from accessible V2 lines to demanding V7 problems, representing a spectrum that appeals to intermediate and advanced boulderers. The area’s reputation is rooted in solid, steep moves that require power and precision without feeling overly sandbagged. Compared to other Colorado boulders in 10 Mile Canyon, the problems here maintain consistent quality and a polished challenge.

Gear Requirements

Bring multiple crash pads to protect landings on firm, rocky terrain. Be prepared with brushes for light cleaning and respect the fragile 'tongue' flake on the boulder.

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Tags

power start
fragile flake
morning shade
talus approach
traversing routes
high elevation
sharp rock