Rock Climbers get in touch with Idaho's Black Cliffs

BOISE, Idaho -- Get a grip.

The weather's cooling off and rock climbers are again hugging the Black Cliffs, Boise's most popular climbing area, about 15 minutes from Downtown.

The Cliffs stretch about 2 miles along the canyon high above the dark blue waters of Diversion Dam below Lucky Peak Reservoir.

Motorists traveling Idaho 21 frequently see white, red and blue specks on the black and gray rocks. The specks are Spiderman look-a-likes -- climbers splayed on the basalt trying to figure out where to find the next hand and foot holds.

The climbers are trying to figure out routes on places called Fringe, Iron Man Wall or Car Body Canyon.

Get a grip, if you can

Katrina Fisher watched closely as her climbing partner Nichole Olson contemplated every move on the Black Cliffs.

Fisher was hanging on to a rope, which was attached to Olson. The rope also was attached to bolts in the basalt along a route to the top and a hip harness being worn by Olson.

Fisher was belaying Olson, feeding Olson rope and keeping just the right tension in the line to ensure her safety. If Olson would have slipped, she would have only fallen a short ways and basically been saved by the rope.

"On the outside edge of the right wall there's a bunch of really good hand holds," Fisher told Olson.

Reaching for it

Olson reached up with her hand and pushed with her foot, which was wedged in a good toe hold.

Other students were on the cliffs, too. They were trying to stretch their bodies like rubber bands as they reached for hand holds.

"Reach for the crevasse," said Geoff Harrison, director of the outdoors program at Boise State University. He was watching Olson, too.

"Nice work Nicole," he said.

Harrison conducts BSU climbing classes on the Cliffs, especially in the fall.

It's the time to hit the Cliffs, which is considered a natural classroom for climbers from beginners to advanced.

"This is the season for climbing," said Rich Gardunia, who is also with the outdoor program. "When it's 100 degrees, it's too hot out here. The heat is radiating off the rocks."

It's easy to get hooked on rock climbing. Just ask Olson and Fisher.

"It's a challenge, and it's sort of a little puzzle for your mind," said Fisher.

For Olson, it's a way to get outdoors.

Get training first

The Boise State University students trained at the university's climbing gym before getting on real rock.

They didn't just get a rope and carabiners and head to the nearest cliff.

It's best to start indoors in a controlled environment, said Pete Vanek, owner of Boise Peak Fitness, which has an indoor climbing wall and offers instruction from beginner to lead climbing.

"We totally promote the idea of doing it through an indoor gym first," he said.

Then the next step is Boise's Black Cliffs, he said. It's a natural.

"This is a fantastic climbing canyon. It's an amazing spot for instructional climbing," said Harrison.

There are short and tall cliffs ranging from 35 to 75 feet.

Aura of climbing

Colorful ropes, carabiners and straps add to the aura of the sport.

The equipment, which includes super 8s, quickdraws, chalk bags, hexes and cams, entice the would-be climber.

The names of the routes in the Black Cliffs are wild and add to the color of the sport.

Sandy Epeldi, a Boise climber and author, lists dozens in his book, "Boise Climbs."

You wonder about Safe Sex Subaru, Bologna Pony, Angry Bunnies and Swimmin' in Ignorance.

The Black Cliffs are also known for their views, like the Boise River below, the city's skyline and the cliffs themselves.

It's also about hugging basalt and getting as close to the cliffs as possible.

You're so close to the rock that you can feel its heartbeat, which is millions of years old.

"It's an amazing spot," said Harrison.