"The Seurat Area, south of Bierstadt in Colorado’s Mt Blue Sky Wilderness, offers granite bouldering shaded by tall trees and highlighted by classic arete traverses and a renowned lieback crack. Climbers find a mix of fierce testpieces and quieter moderate problems amid a pristine mountain setting."
Rising just south of the renowned Bierstadt area, the Seurat Area offers a refreshing alternative on warmer days, its granite boulders reclining comfortably beneath a canopy of trees. At roughly 11,000 feet elevation, this boulder field combines the serenity of forested surroundings with the quiet intensity of classic problems that challenge climbers of a variety of skill levels.
Approach the Seurat Area by following the path southwesterly from Bierstadt. Past the Ladder, a landmark on the trail, you’ll find the climbing begins in earnest: on the left, the striking, overhanging arete known as Random Progression. Moving right around a large flat boulder, the imposing North Face of the Pink Fink boulder reveals itself, showcasing standout problems like Snow White (V7) and Pink Fink. Adjacent to this lies Peasants Into Leaders, a towering highball that beckons the bold.
Follow the trail west around the Pink Fink boulder and into the woods where the path curves past the east side of the Seurat Boulder, home to one of the area’s namesake classic climbs. Here, the Seurat lieback crack stands as a testpiece of finesse and strength, rated V8 and favored by those who appreciate technical crack climbing. The area is also famous for two gripping arete traverses - All Dogs Go To Evans and Silverback - both rated around V10 and offering steep, powerful challenges for advanced climbers seeking whatever soft spot they might find beneath their fingers.
Hidden in the trees just uphill from the Seurat Boulder are a range of moderate climbs tucked away from the main trail. These quieter routes provide approachable options for intermediate boulderers itching to step up their game or warm up before tackling the tougher classics.
This region sits within the Mt Blue Sky Wilderness Area (formerly Mount Evans), a pristine and protected space patrolled by the US Forest Service. Respecting Leave No Trace principles is essential: vegetation here recovers slowly, so minimizing brushing and judicious crash pad placement helps preserve the land. Chalk use is discouraged on problems visible from the Chicago Lakes Trail; climbers are urged to clean chalk marks and avoid spills to maintain the area's natural beauty.
The wilderness atmosphere also demands a low noise profile – loud music, profanity, or excessive grunting can alienate both hikers and fellow climbers. Dogs must be leashed to protect local wildlife and the environment, and waste disposal is mandatory.
Note that Mt Blue Sky Road will be closed for the 2025 season, making all access strictly via hiking. This adds an extra layer of solitude and adventure to the approach, appealing to those who relish a more immersive mountain experience.
Classic climbs here include Broken Arrow Left and Right (V3 to V4), Champagne Left and Right (V4 to V5), and the standout hard problems Rawhide (V7), Seurat (V8), Silverback (V10), and All Dogs Go To Evans (V10). This collection defines the area’s character with a balanced spectrum of challenges, from bouldering finesse to powerful arete traverses.
For climbers ready to trade the bustle of better-known crags for peaceful forest settings, uncompromising granite, and a keen mix of routes, the Seurat Area is a rich destination. You'll emerge from the trees with sun on your shoulders and granite in your hands, equipped with a sense of accomplishment and fresh respect for the wild environment that shapes every move here.
Due to the wilderness status and dense forested terrain, approach trails can be slippery and uneven. Crash pads are necessary for many problems, especially the taller highballs. The area is subject to rapid weather changes; always prepare for cold and wet conditions at elevation. Minimal brushing and careful pad placement protect fragile vegetation—avoid placement on thin soils or moss.
Approach via trail past the Ladder from Bierstadt, take trail west around Pink Fink Boulder to Seurat Boulder.
Use minimal chalk and clean all marks after climbing, especially on visible problems.
Leash your dog at all times and clean up waste to protect local wildlife.
Prepare for a hike approach in 2025 with the road closure - sturdy footwear and hydration are essential.
Bring multiple crash pads due to potential highball problems like Peasants Into Leaders. Leave No Trace compliance is crucial, especially minimizing brush and chalk. Leashes required for dogs. Access will be on foot for 2025 due to road closure.
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