Maryland · Rock climbing · Sykesville · Near Ballenger Creek

Jam Boulder

12 routes
V1 – V11
Bouldering
Apr–Jun, Aug–Nov
best months

Jam Boulder is a bouldering area in Maryland, about 0.7 miles from the town of Carroll Fields. It is a cluster of boulders rather than a single climbing route, and the climbing here is all on rock rather than on a wall or a cliff. The climbing is rated in the V scale, with the most common grades ranging from V1 to V11. That means the boulders here suit climbers of all levels, from those just starting out to those looking for a serious challenge. Eleven of the twelve routes on the area are rated in the V scale, and one is rated at 5.10 in the YDS system. Among the named routes are Strawberry at V1 and Slender Man at V11, with Crayon Car at V8 and The Guillotine at V6-7. The closest climbing area is Nest A, about 0.4 miles away. Gorsuch Switch and Erebor are each about 1.5 miles off. For time on the ground, Woods Path is a hike about 2.2 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Ramblin’ Pines Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 3.5 mi from the trail
  • If it rainsAcroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

    Gambrill House

    Attraction

    On your way back · 23 mi

    Historic mansion at Monocacy National Battlefield, Maryland, United States

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0 (commons)

More in Ballenger Creek
  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Aug–Nov

    Best time to visit Jam Boulder

    Best months: April–June and August–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

      42° / 27°

    2. Feb

      46° / 28°

    3. Mar

      54° / 34°

    4. Apr

      66° / 45°

    5. May

      73° / 55°

    6. Jun

      82° / 64°

    7. Jul

      86° / 69°

    8. Aug

      84° / 67°

    9. Sep

      77° / 60°

    10. Oct

      66° / 49°

    11. Nov

      56° / 39°

    12. Dec

      46° / 31°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Cylburn, MD, 16.6 mi away at 235 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (12)

Keep exploring — more climbs worth the drive

Friction WallPhoto: Jstuby, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Friction Wall

~20 min drive

Friction Wall in Maryland has 10 climbing routes across 9 difficulty grades.

Rachel Carson Conservation ParkPhoto: John Brighenti from Rockville, MD, United States, CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Rachel Carson Conservation Park

~21 min drive

Rachel Carson Conservation Park in Maryland has 7 bouldering routes.

North side of riverPhoto: Jstuby, CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

North side of river

~26 min drive

6 bouldering routes on 5 difficulty grades at North side of river in Maryland.

Murray Hill Road BouldersPhoto: Jstuby, CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Murray Hill Road Boulders

~27 min drive

6 bouldering routes in Maryland spanning 5 grades.

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Levitation Boulders

Next door

Maryland bouldering area with accessible problems for developing climbers.

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Nest A

Next door

Nest A is a bouldering crag in Maryland with 13 routes.

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The Nest

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Maryland climbing area with varied routes for developing climbers.

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Gorsuch Switch

~3 min drive

Gorsuch Switch in Maryland has 12 climbing routes across 9 grades, offering bouldering and top-rope options.

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Erebor

~3 min drive

Erebor is a bouldering crag in Maryland with 6 routes.

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Woodstock Rock

~9 min drive

Woodstock Rock in Maryland has 18 routes with 15 difficulty grades, offering bouldering, top-rope, and trad climbing.