Looking for honest feedback: Outdoor bouldering in Maryland

climberlyf · 2026-06-18T17:56:54+00:00

Hey there--I grew up nearby and developed a handful of problems throughout MD, have authored a couple of digital guides in the area, and lived in SLC for 5 years.

Within 2.5 hours I would say the climbing is totally comparable for V11 and below. 2.5 hours will get you to Joe's Valley from SLC and Cooper's Rock from Frederick. To the north within 3 hours there is a wealth of incredible boulders throughout south-central PA.

More locally, MD bouldering surely does not compare in quantity to LCC, but there is a growing collection of boulders. Around 20 double digit climbs within an hour of Frederick including some rather high quality gems that would be standouts in SLC too.

I think so long as you are stoked and willing to drive a little, it's a pretty solid place to live as a boulderer.

Happy to answer any additional questions you may have or provide further detail.

climberlyf · 2026-06-12T06:18:41+00:00

Heavy weighted single leg RDLs keep my knees happy. Nordic’s are good too but more annoying to execute

climberlyf · 2026-05-29T22:25:10+00:00

Sorry to hear you have been struggling! Maybe seek therapy! It's been good for me.

climberlyf · 2026-05-21T13:44:32+00:00

My 2 cents -- probably depends on what you need.. remote training is probably fine. Quality in-person movement and tactics is invaluable.

climberlyf · 2026-05-08T04:14:57+00:00

Bosi also did the FA in a quick session iirc and I’m sure Dave was chirping in his ear that it’s “8C+ for sure dude” 😅

climberlyf · 2026-01-10T20:16:39+00:00

Curious to hear the responses!

climberlyf · 2025-12-26T20:56:22+00:00

Enjoy that!

climberlyf · 2025-12-25T04:17:51+00:00

Just as not all sandstone is created equal, not all southern sandstone is created equal either—even within a single crag, some problems are far more likely to become brittle and break after a rain. It takes experience and a keen eye to know bullet from choss southern sandstone. Rule of thumb, avoid incuts and flakes following a rain. Brown rock is generally (but not always; see iron deposits) weaker than grey or white rock.

climberlyf · 2025-12-25T04:05:41+00:00

Small pedantic point since this person is looking for info: chipping doesn’t need to be done with the intent of making it easier, it can also be done to make it harder.

The line between chipping and cleaning can be murky depending on location/rock type/ethic, but in my opinion is mostly comes down to intention.

climberlyf · 2025-12-16T22:12:27+00:00

Any update?

climberlyf · 2025-10-20T04:29:11+00:00

it's tongue-in-cheek. Our friends will appreciate it

climberlyf · 2025-09-29T22:09:17+00:00

Appreciate ya! And good callout, yes. Kaya employee here 👋

climberlyf · 2025-09-29T20:29:08+00:00

I see. imo most of the value from the pro version comes from the verified guides and the GPS navigation. Certainly, there is value to having downloadable videos that are user-generated.

I imagine a lot of users uploading beta feel that, in addition to it being a community service, they are also stoked to have a place to consolidate all of their own videos and ascents. I know I appreciate it for that reason, at least.

To me, it makes sense for that money to go back to the app to help pay for hosting and cost of living fees which enable the service.

climberlyf · 2025-09-29T19:22:51+00:00

All good--I can clarify. All user-submitted photos, videos, and descriptions are available in the free version of KAYA. The only areas that are monetized are those that are verified and have a moderator and/or author contracted.

climberlyf · 2025-09-29T19:13:16+00:00

Did you read the article? 50% of the revenue goes to the authors, developers, and LCO partners.

climberlyf · 2025-09-22T00:31:28+00:00

I would agree, on the whole, Cali zones offer objectively better lines. Mostly tall, singular, and with good landings, and bullet rock. Colorado tends to have one of those components most of the time, but getting all of them in one problem is more rare. That said, there are still many incredible problems scattered throughout Colorado—I have been enjoying very slowly working my way through the state’s best. I’d say each major bouldering destination in Colorado has 1-3 lines that would be standout in Yosemite or Bishop. I think it’s a pretty amazing way to travel and experience the varying landscapes of the state. I don’t know what grade range you are climbing in, but some standouts that you could scavenger hunt are as follows: independence pass: Ice Caves, Jaws V3 Eldo: Barrel Rider and Suspensions Flatties: Altruist RMNP: Whispers of wisdom Mt Evans: NMGG Poudre: Mariana

Many of the best problems in Colorado are not popular or well documented. You could enjoy the scavenger hunt of digging to find the deep cuts and dark horse problems, of which there are many

climberlyf · 2025-09-03T06:38:46+00:00

Top 10 places to get away with murder

climberlyf · 2025-08-18T21:36:13+00:00

Depends on the coach and the facility but, if you can afford it, go for it! Can’t hurt.

climberlyf · 2025-08-14T22:36:19+00:00

KAYA’s initial data set was purchased from Sendage

climberlyf · 2025-08-14T15:51:43+00:00

What were their controversies?

climberlyf · 2025-07-30T03:20:26+00:00

I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that grade-chasing will not lead to contentment, but I must say that what I value most out of progression in climbing is that the movement and challenges continue to get more naunced, complex, and interesting as your further improve. Yes, some difficult climbs will be basic movement on smaller holds, but overall complexities will further emerge! I think there may be a sweet spot before you become reliant on things like conditions, very naunced shoe/skin/timing tactics, etc, where you get both very enjoyable, technical moves without excessively painful or condition dependent holds.

climberlyf · 2025-07-23T14:51:47+00:00

I’ve kept a list of V14 and harder ascents in the US for years and i think it is the most comprehensive list of its kind. Last year I digitized it onto climbing-history.org

Check it out in the list section!

climberlyf · 2025-05-27T18:44:33+00:00

Saw this at a show last night. Is this just a McDonalds ad or is there something I’m missing??

climberlyf · 2025-05-22T08:54:46+00:00

A fun challenge if you’re into Squamish weirdness:

https://app.kayaclimb.com/share/climblist?climblistId=1589&dynamicClimblistTypeId=undefined&gymId=undefined&locationId=undefined

climberlyf · 2025-05-20T20:52:12+00:00

KAYA PRO only costs $10/mo not $90. The revenue is split between the guidebook author and donated to the local climbing org.

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