Boise climber Doug Colwell passed April, 2026. Doug told the Idaho Statesman in 2017 article that “Part of climbing is you get to go to all these new places, you get to do these adventures and you meet great people and form long-lasting friendships.” This quote captures the essence of Doug’s wanderlust. Undoubtedly, those great people Doug met along the way would tell you that Doug was one of the great people they met while climbing.
Doug in 2021
Doug contributed both to Idaho A Climbing Guide and the website. He also talked a number of reluctant Sawtooth climbers into contributing beta to the book. His guide to the Pins and Needles climbing area near cascade where he pioneered dozens of rock climbs can be downloaded at this link: Pins and Needles Climbing Guide by Doug Colwell – IDAHO: A Climbing Guide
Doug was featured in two Outdoor Idaho shows which covered rock and ice climbing. He co-founded of Idaho Mountain Guides with Mat Erpelding in 2005. The service teaches rock climbing at the Black Cliffs near Lucky Peak and at City of Rocks.
In addition to his Idaho climbing resume Doug climbed in Pakistan, China, Tibet, India, South America and Europe. He took part in an expedition to climb K2 — the world’s second-highest mountain. In addition to his climbing expeditions he served as a volunteer instructors at the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation’s Khumbu Climbing Center. The center trains Sherpas climbing skills and was founded in 2003. It has graduated over a 1,000 participants who learned basic and advanced climbing skills which includes technical climbing skills, mountain safety, rescue, wilderness first aid and English communication.
Doug climbing on the Great Wall of China
When I moved to Boise in 1986 Doug lived down the street from me. I first met him when he was training for K2. I was mowing the lawn when he ran by on his way up Table Rock with his son in a backpack. He stopped and we chatted for a few minutes. A special day for me. When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 Doug gave me a lesson in “being positive” that I will never forget. He also gave me a copy of Dick Dorworth”s memoir “Night Driving.” A book that ties climbing and life together in one impressive narrative.
Rest in Peace Doug
Read the Idaho Statesman article covering Doug’s involvement with the Nepal climbing school at: https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/playing-outdoors/article124223584.html#storylink=cpy
Meta AI provided the following on Doug:
Doug Colwell’s legacy is multifaceted and far-reaching. Here are some key aspects of his impact ¹ ²:
– _Climbing Community Contributions_: Doug was a prominent figure in Idaho’s climbing community, contributing to “Idaho: A Climbing Guide” and pioneering dozens of rock climbs in the Pins and Needles area near Cascade. He also co-founded Idaho Mountain Guides, a climbing school that teaches rock climbing at Black Cliffs near Lucky Peak and City of Rocks.
– _Mentorship and Inspiration_: Many climbers, including some who wrote tributes, considered Doug a mentor and friend. He introduced them to mountaineering and ice climbing, and his passion for exploration and adventure inspired others to pursue their own climbing goals.
– _International Climbing Expeditions_: Doug climbed in various international locations, including Pakistan, China, Tibet, India, South America, and Europe. He participated in an expedition to climb K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.
– _Humanitarian Work_: Doug volunteered as an instructor at the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation’s Khumbu Climbing Center in Nepal, which trains Sherpas in climbing skills and has graduated over 1,000 participants.
– _Leadership Roles_: Doug served as the chair of the Northern Rockies Section of the American Alpine Club, passing on the role to Brian Cabe after nearly 10 years of service.
– _Promoting Climbing_: Through his work on climbing guides, teaching, and expeditions, Doug promoted climbing as a way to explore new places, meet people, and form lasting friendships, as reflected in his quote: “Part of climbing is you get to go to all these new places, you get to do these adventures and you meet great people and form long-lasting friendships”.