Hellacious Heel Hooks

About

Hellacious Heel Hooks is a boulder problem located in the One-Of-A-Kind Boulder area near Ridgway, Colorado. The site sits at 7,814 feet and is accessible via a short hike from the Ridgway State Park visitors center at Dutch Charlie. Climbers should hike south on the gravel Nature Trail for five minutes to reach the singular volcanic boulder. The area is pet-friendly and offers parking at the base. The specific route Hellacious Heel Hooks is rated V5 (6C) and is described as slightly harder than the adjacent Lowered Expectations route. The climb begins on an obvious sloppy rail, involves a big move to another sloper, and requires height-dependent strength to reach an easy mantel. One pad is sufficient for protection. The boulder is situated in pinyon-juniper forest and provides some shade. While the area is generally accessible year-round, climbers should prepare for varying weather conditions and potential snow or ice during winter months.