What’s New at Bolton Dome and Lone Rock Point?

Bolton Dome and Lone Rock Point Are Back!

For the first time since 1990, Vermont climbers now have access to the 43 established climbing routes at Bolton Dome in Bolton. The Climbing Resource Access Group of Vermont (CRAG-VT) purchased the 48-acre property that contains the dome in summer 2017 with the help of a $358,750 Climbing Conservation Loan from the Access Fund, the largest Access Fund Climbing Conservation Loan in the national organization’s history.

In fall 2018, climber access to the crag, which was known as Trailer Park Crag in the ’70s and ’80s, was put on hold until the organization could get permitting and raise funds to build an onsite parking lot.

In February 2019, CRAG-VT president Kris Fiore announced that the organization has opened the dome, with plans to build a parking area as funds allow. Climbers are asked to park at the Smilie School on Route 2 or at the Bolton Quarry, but not on Champ Lane, the closest road to the crag.

“Whether its experienced climbers scaling 5.13 or kids climbing their first 5.3, this cliff has both to offer and we can’t wait to see climbers enjoying it this spring and for countless years to come,” wrote Fiore on CRAG-VT’s Facebook page.

Travis Peckham announced a revision to his Vermont climbing guide book Tough Schist. Routes are now available on the app version of the book in Rakkup.

Burlington’s Lone Rock Point will also be open to climbers in 2019, following a successful pilot season in 2018. The cliff, which is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, was opened to climbers in fall 2017. CRAG-VT secured access to the cliff through a special use agreement with the Diocese that required climbers sign in at a kiosk and asked that they make a $5 donation for a permit. No more than eight climbers can use the area at a time. —Abagael Giles