Perched at an elevation of 10,519 feet on the left side of the road climbing toward Gateway and Area A, Warm Up Boulder offers an accessible but thoughtfully preserved slice of climbing terrain within Colorado’s Mt Blue Sky Wilderness Area. This spot’s charm is as straightforward as its name suggests—a clear starting point marked by a permanently chalked hold invites climbers to engage a few approachable, well-loved problems, including the eponymous Warm Up (V1). Though compact in scale, the boulder presents a valuable introduction to the region’s alpine bouldering, surrounded by the quiet sanctity of protected wilderness.

Accessing Warm Up Boulder is a steady walk along the Chicago Lakes Trail, a route that guides you through high forest and rocky outcrops, setting the tone for a climbing experience in tune with nature’s pace. With the 2025 road closure on Mt Blue Sky Road, all gear and bodies come on foot now, offering a peaceful approach that discourages casual traffic and heightens the remote feel. Since this is a designated wilderness area carefully managed by the US Forest Service, climbers must carry a strong sense of stewardship. Crash pads need to be judiciously placed, brushing is kept to an essential minimum, and chalk marks cleaned promptly to maintain the natural character visible to non-climbing hikers. The spirit of Leave No Trace runs deep here as vegetation recovery takes years, and human impact has to be tightly controlled.

While the boulder problems here lean moderate, their location amid high-alpine air and stunning forested vistas make each move feel grounded in something larger than just rock and chalk. Noise needs to be respectful and subdued, preserving the calm that both visitors and wildlife value. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, respecting local fauna and fellow users. Such considerations ensure continued access in an area shared by climbers and other wilderness enthusiasts alike.

Warm Up Boulder’s problems offer an inviting challenge for climbers easing into technical moves at altitude or warming up before hitting other nearby sectors. The classic route, Warm Up (V1), is a steady introduction with a well-rated 3.5-star appeal among local climbers. Unlike more complex zones, this is not an area for extreme grades or trial by fire but rather a reliable place to get comfortable on granite, test footwork, and appreciate the surrounding high country atmosphere at ease.

Support your day out with layered clothing for variable mountain weather, sturdy approach shoes for the uneven trail, and multiple pads for safety as the rock can be sharp. Summertime and early fall are the prime climbing windows when snow has melted and weather stabilizes. Since the boulders face various aspects but lie near treeline, mornings tend to catch the shade and afternoon sun warms holds comfortably.

The descent is simple — once the session is complete, retrace your steps on the trail back downhill to the lot or nearest parking. With no rappel or tricky walk-offs required, the route is safe for climbers of different experience levels to focus on technique and enjoyment.

In short, Warm Up Boulder embodies the balance of approachable climbing with a strong environmental ethic and a quiet, almost reverent wilderness setting. It’s a perfect spot to find rhythm, hone skills, and breathe mountain air before pushing into the wider expanse of Mt Blue Sky’s bouldering offerings. Remember to follow all regulations closely to keep this climbing gem thriving for years to come.