Meeting notes here.
A Tribute to Doug Colwell
The Boise climbing community lost a true legend with the passing of Doug Colwell. Doug was a founding member of the Boise Climbers Alliance and played a pivotal role in preserving access to the Black Cliffs at a time when a full climbing closure was a real possibility. He helped develop a strategy that trusted climbers to take responsibility for the places they love—voluntarily closing sections of the cliffs during raptor nesting season. That approach proved successful and remains a cornerstone of how the area is managed today and continues to allow climbing access. Doug’s commitment didn’t stop there. He continued serving on the BCA board until shortly before his passing, always advocating for climbers and the landscape.
During a bolting moratorium at Castle Rocks State Park he became a founding member of the Climbing Resource Advisory Group (CRAG), working directly with park officials to help negotiate a path forward and ultimately bring the moratorium to an end. His influence extended nationally as well through his service on the board of the American Alpine Club.
Beyond his advocacy, Doug was an accomplished climber with numerous international expeditions and first ascents to his name. But what set him apart was his desire to give back. After time spent in Nepal, he recognized an opportunity to support local climbers and mountaineers. Through the Khumbu Climbing Center, he shared his knowledge by teaching ice climbing, rock climbing, and mountaineering skills—helping inspire and empower a new generation.
Doug’s legacy lives on in the cliffs he helped protect, the community he strengthened, and the people he mentored along the way. He will be deeply missed.
Spring Swan Falls Clean Up
Introducing Devil’s Playground
Closure Update: 3/14/2026
Nixon Head is now closed due to falcon nesting.
The total list of closures is:
❌ Scary Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Wailing Wall – CLOSED
❌ Ironman Traverse – CLOSED
❌ Face Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Highway Face – CLOSED
❌ Car Body Canyon (from Velcro Fly to Macabre Roof) – CLOSED
❌ Nixon Head – CLOSED
A reminder about closures:
- Please alert us if you see any raptor activity so that we can notify volunteer raptor monitors to assess.
- Give nests, and the closed areas, plenty of space.
- Educate your friends about these closures.
- SHARE this information amongst your community.
- Explore some of the other walls the Black Cliffs offer.
Dec. 2025 and Jan. 2026 Board Meeting Notes
Closure Update: 3/3/2026
Another closure to announce: Car Body Canyon (from Velcro Fly to Macabre Roof).
This brings the list of total closures to:
❌ Scary Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Wailing Wall – CLOSED
❌ Ironman Traverse – CLOSED
❌ Face Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Highway Face – CLOSED
❌ Car Body Canyon (from Velcro Fly to Macabre Roof) – CLOSED
A reminder about closures:
- Please alert us if you see any raptor activity so that we can notify volunteer raptor monitors to assess.
- Give nests, and the closed areas, plenty of space.
- Educate your friends about these closures.
- SHARE this information amongst your community.
- Explore some of the other walls the Black Cliffs offer.
Closure Update: 2/20/2026
Nesting season is upon us! The following areas are closed:
❌ Scary Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Iron Man Traverse – CLOSED
❌ Highway Face – CLOSED
❌ Face Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Wailing Wall – CLOSED
A reminder about closures:
- Please alert us if you see any raptor activity so that we can notify volunteer raptor monitors to assess.
- Give nests, and the closed areas, plenty of space.
- Educate your friends about these closures.
- SHARE this information amongst your community.
- Explore some of the other walls the Black Cliffs offer.
Thank you for your cooperation in this! Climb on, friends!
Closure Update: 3/11/2025
Hello hello!
We have two additions to the list of closures, Nixon Head and Steep Wall.
The full list of closures is listed as below:
❌ Scary Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Wailing Wall – CLOSED
❌ Iron Man Traverse – CLOSED
❌ West Car Body – CLOSED (from Pabst Smear to Macabres Roof)
❌ Highway Face – CLOSED
❌ Face Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Nixon Head – CLOSED
❌ Steep Wall – CLOSED
A reminder about closures:
- Please alert us if you see any raptor activity so that we can notify volunteer raptor monitors to assess.
- Give nests, and the closed areas, plenty of space.
- Educate your friends about these closures.
- SHARE this information amongst your community.
- Explore some of the other walls the Black Cliffs offer.
Thank you for your cooperation in this! Climb on, friends!
Closure Update: 2/7/2025
Hello Treasure Valley Climbers!
TLDR (too long; didn’t read):
Highway Face and Face Canyon have been added to the list of closures. The following areas are closed:
❌ Scary Canyon – CLOSED
❌ Wailing Wall – CLOSED
❌ Iron Man Traverse – CLOSED
❌ West Car Body – CLOSED (from Pabst Smear to Macabres Roof)
❌ Highway Face – CLOSED
❌ Face Canyon – CLOSED
The good news is we have a red-tailed hawk nesting in the vicinity of Highway Face and Face Canyon. She is currently sitting on her nest, which means she probably has eggs. We are closing both Highway Face and Face Canyon. Please be aware that it is critical during this stage that she is not disturbed. She could abandon her eggs.
Thank you for following the closure by protecting her you are protecting our climbing access to the Black Cliffs.