Illinois · Rock climbing · Buncombe · Near Goreville

Bouldering Cave

5 routes
V3 – V11
Bouldering
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Bouldering Cave open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Bouldering Cave, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bouldering Cave is a bouldering area in southern Illinois, set within Ferne Clyffe State Park and the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest. The land is managed by the State Department of Natural Resources, and the cave itself sits among a cluster of climbing areas and trails, with Cedar Bluff and the D: PG Wall - Coal House Area both about 0.1 mile away. The climbing here is all bouldering, with five routes ranging from V3 to V11. The cave's namesake route is a V3, and Walkin' Spanish is the hardest at V11. Pinch Point and Pocket Thesaurus are both V5, and Compression Ratio is a V8 with a first ascent by Brian Capps. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna run from highs around 71°F in April to 73°F in October, while July highs average about 90°F. Cedar Bluff Trail is a short walk away, and Lick Creek offers canoeing about 1.2 miles off. Lake Of Egypt - Buck Ridge Camping Area is roughly 9 miles away for an overnight stay.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Turkey Ridge Tent Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 2.5 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Natural Bridge

    Attraction

    On your way back · 2 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Goreville
  • Best time to go · Mar–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Bouldering Cave

    Best months: March–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      45° / 25°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      50° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 37°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      71° / 46°

      11 wet

    5. May

      79° / 56°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 65°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 69°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 67°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 59°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 48°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      59° / 37°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      48° / 30°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Anna 2 Nne, IL, 11.8 mi away at 640 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (5)