The Location
Durango, Colorado
The Campsite :
(37.6105214, -107.8464743)
The Lines :
(37.6058634, -107.8301071)
How to get there
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Driving to the parking lot or campsite takes about 30 minutes from the base of Purgatory Ski Resort. It utilizes Hermosa Parkway (578) and Elbert Creek Road. It does not require 4x4, but high clearance is recommended.
Small Campground for less than 20 people, or day parking:
(37.6205659, -107.8342163)
Gathering Campground:
(37.6114927, -107.8466218)
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The lines: (37.6058634, -107.8301071)
From the Gathering campsite:
It is about a 1.9-mile hike. During major gatherings the trail will be marked with signs or trail tape.Trail starts on the south side of the campgrounds. It will take you down to the road, near a switchback. At the switchback of the real road the trail continues north. Continue North on the trail for 0.6 of a mile until the trail meets a fence line.
Follow the fence line east for 0.8 of a mile until you see an orange gate.
Follow the trail south for 0.5 of a mile. While walking on this final stretch to the highline bowl keep your eyes out for a left turn that will take you onto a single track bike path. This bike path will take you right passed the highline area. The highline area will be on your left as you walk through the meadow.
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Bring a bike. Makes the journey much shorter.
Check out a map before coming out so you get an understanding of where everything is.
If you’re bringing a rig during a gathering, there is a closer spot to day park at (37.694943 -107.8459992) (limited parking)
if you park at the smaller campsite; do not block the access roads or gates. beware of skeletor, a local that doesn’t like us.
The Founding History by Marshell Thompson
Paradise saw its first ever highline on December 2nd, 2017 (my birthday). We rigged what became known as "Between Two Twigs" the 62 meter between the two largest Ponderosa pine trees of the bowl, sent and FA'd by myself. The following summer was exceptionally dry and the locally known 416 fire ignited and closed San Juan National Forest access until the winter season. No lines were rigged at Paradise until the following summer. First (30m), Second (36m), and Third Base (44m) were the next lines established, all three were FA'd by myself. I named the bowl that summer of 2019, "Pair-o-Dice". There are more lines than sides on a pair of dice. At that time I had scouted out about 12 highlines to establish, ranging all the way to almost 584 meters. I knew these would be established in the near future but thought the 584 meter was a dream project for the future. The October of 2019 was the first official highline gathering hosted at Paradise with about 35 people and 6 highlines with the longest being 120m.Kieran blood walked the first ascent for that line in a Tigger onesie, which also ended up being his personal record at the time. He named the line ‘The most wonderful thing about a 600lb dead man anchor’. Paradise gathering 2020 dates were moved to September for the autumn equinox and we rigged 9 highlines and a 4 legged space net. This year slack crews from all over came together and established the dream project 584 meter line, Kieran Blood walked the first ascent and dubbed it "Slackers Paradise". This is also ended up becoming the Colorado State Record for longest highline (at the time). In just one year, we had four times the amount of people and four times the amount of webbing rigged. I estimate that roughly 135-150 people attended throughout the duration of PHG 2020.