Steph Davis Answers: “What Are Your Top Winter Bouldering Spots?”

Renowned climber and long-time MSR ambassador Steph Davis answers your questions about climbing, fear, challenges, equipment, injuries, and other core topics that come with a living life in high and wild places.

“What are your favorite bouldering spots?”

Some of the really good spots in the States are pretty hot, so winter is a great time to boulder at these places.

In Utah, I recommend Joe’s Valley and Little Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City. Big Bend in Moab is pretty good–maybe not full destination material, but definitely worth a visit if you’re around.

In California, there is great bouldering around Bishop (Buttermilks, Happy/Sad Boulders), and Black Mountain has some nice, slightly cooler boulders. Joshua Tree in California is another good spot—and definitely not a summer destination. There is some good, warm-season bouldering in the Yosemite High Country in Tuolumne Meadows. And then of course there’s all the other Yosemite bouldering.

In Texas, there’s Hueco Tanks, which is always a good cold-season destination to visit.

If you need more information about these places without having to invest in a million guidebooks, check out Mountain Project.

steph davis with dog cajunSteph Davis is one of the world’s leading women climbers. She is also an avid BASE jumper and wingsuit pilot. Among her many accomplishments, she has completed free ascents of El Capitan, first ascents in South America, the Karakorum and the Arctic, and some of the hardest climbs worldwide. Considered a rock climbing visionary, Steph lives in Moab, Utah, or sometimes out of a Honda Fit, in a tent, or in her off-the-grid octagonal cabin near Indian Creek. She is a writer, loves to cook and believes in living a simple life.