Back To AEC

Another beautiful day of weather. Another trip to the outstanding boulders of the Atomic Energy Crag (AEC), perched high above Paradox Valley, just outside of Naturita in Southwest Colorado.

A sampling: (above) Lexi Tuddenham sticking the tenuous move for the top on 'Juniper Center' (v0+). A bad landing adds to the spice on this outstanding highball. 2-Christian Prellwitz pulling through the middle of 'Action Jackson' (v2).

(below) 1-Christian Prellwitz trying to catch the 'A Train' (v4). 2-Christian on 'Action Jackson' (v2). 3-Lexi Tuddenham bracing for the storm on 'Nor'easter' (v0). 4-Lexi approaching the thin top out of 'Bug Juice' (v1).

Atomic Energy Bouldering

Two friends, Lexi and Sarah, and I drove out to Naturita on Friday to sample some of the fine bouldering at the Atomic Energy Crag. This collection of blocks (and roped climbs) offers some of the best bouldering in the West End, with around 100 problems spread out over a large boulderfield with expansive views of the La Sal Mountains to the west and the San Juans to the east. Check out info on this spot and many others in 'A Guide To Bouldering In The Telluride & West End Areas (Of Southwest Colorado)'.

The pics: (above) Lexi Tuddenham stretches for the horizontal before the final mantel on 'Box Car Sidepull' (V1). (below) 1-The starting left hand pocket of 'Hob Knob' (V1+). 2-Lexi Tuddenham shows off the optional downclimb for problems on the Shark Fin boulder. 3-Sarah Carden dances over stone in the last rays of the day on 'Sunshine Arete' (V0).