Why do I climb?
I climb because it is great for mind and body; when I climb outside I am able to have a unique connection with nature.
Fave climbing crag?
Wherever I am at the moment
Fave climb?
Considering I have a terrible memory, I have a new favorite climb regularly.
Random fun facts
I have climbed on every continent except Antarctica (bucket list!); I am a library director (thus the library card in photo)
Why are you a part of the BCA?
I joined soon after moving to Boise to become connected with a great community and to be a good steward of area crags and of the raptors nesting therein.
Why do I climb?
At first I enjoyed to novelty of climbing and the fact that, at the time, it was more of a fringe activity. What hooked me was the feeling it gave me -- learning new things, overcoming obstacles, figuring out a physical 3-D puzzle, and the adventurous places it took me.
Fave climbing crag?
There are far too many to name; however, Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin will always have a spot in my heart since that is where I learned to climb.
Fave climb?
The Dent du Geant in the French and Italian Alps. The route is mostly 5.7 with a small 5.9 section, but you cross a crevassed glacier, climb steep snow, and scramble quite a way to get to that part. The rock section is a massive granite formation sticking up from the mountainside like a giant’s tooth. The difficulty is the freezing temps, ferocious winds and iced-up cracks. We opted to eschew the fixed rope and led it on trad gear with gloves on and frozen feet. Five roped pitches gets you to an amazing twin summit shared with a metal statue of the virgin Mary whose head is
partially melted away from a lightning strike. Absolutely magnificent climb!
Random fun facts
A group of pandas is called an embarrassment. Seriously, you can look it up!
Why are you a part of the BCA?
Having the Black Cliffs so close to Boise is a gift. I found out how the BCA has kept the Cliffs from being closed to climbers and has advocated for other areas as well. It seemed like I should help be part of that solution.
Why do I climb?
I climb to stay active, and relieve stress from the day to day hustle and bustle; when I climb outside I can enjoy nature, camp and hang with my friends doing cool things.
Favorite climbing crag?
Red Rocks
Favorite climb?
Big Bad Wolf
Random fun facts?
I try to spend every New Year’s in a country where I don’t speak the same language.
Why are you a part of the BCA?
I love birds, I love the outdoors and I love climbing. I would do anything to protect them. The BCA gives me the platform to do so.
Why do I climb?
It’s the simplest way I’ve found to be present – plus, the views don’t hurt.
Fave climbing crag?
Tough one. City of Rocks. El Potrero Chico is rad.
Fave climb?
Breithorn Traverse – glacier travel + easy alpine / insane views / down for dinner. Cases could be made for Voyage of the Cowdog at Smith Rock or Ancient Art in Moab.
Random fun facts
My grandfather was a Park Ranger for Yellowstone in the 1950’s. Hearing his stories while growing up in Montana started my lifelong interest in the great outdoors.
Why are you a part of the BCA?
The BCA is a fantastic board I’m proud to support. Climbing is a big part of my life and I hope to give something back to the community and landscapes that makes Idaho so special.
Why do I climb?
I climb because I only focus on what is right in front of me.
Fave climbing crag?
City of Rocks
Fave climb?
Myopia - Perch
Random fun facts?
I was not born in a state. I tracked bears for seven years. I lived off of meat spreadables for four years.
Why are you a part of the BCA?
I was convinced by Sandy Epeldi. I stay with it because without climbing, I probably would have ended up in jail. It is important to work to keep places open.
After retiring from a corporate gig spanning 20+ years I found a little time on my hands and joined the BCA in order to help keep access to our local climbing opportunities. I like most types of climbing, but loathe runout slab and flaring off width. I enjoy the social scene that goes with climbing.
Fave climbing crag?
The Black Cliffs and Table Rock have provided a lot of great memories, and time spent there launched many meaningful friendships.
Why is the BCA important to you?
We should consider ourselves lucky to have such a variety and quality of climbing available nearby, typically uncrowded, with friendly locals and supportive land managers. I urge all of us to pick up after ourselves and others, obey closures, enjoy our outdoors responsibly, and climb smart. 🙂
Why do I climb?
I climb for the love of movement and the outdoors, for the personal challenge it offers, and for the endless sense of discovery and newness that climbing gifts.
Fave climbing crag?
The City of Rocks, hands down. The breadth of uniqueness this area provides is incredible.
Fave climb?
Cunning Stunt, Index Washington. An amazing route on amazing rock.
Random fun facts
I hold an affinity for 1990s steel frame mountain bikes. Is there anything more perfect?
Why are you a part of the BCA
I'm part of the BCA because it allows me to give back to the local climbing community while connecting with a group of people who share a positive and supportive vision.
A Tribute to Doug Colwell
In April 2026, 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.
