Store across from REI reopened as must-stop source for backcountry skiers, mountain bikers and more

By David Young

For anyone who has rock climbed, backcountry skied, backpacked or mountain biked in the past decade around Denver, odds are you have been into the iconic Wilderness Exchange outdoor gear shop at some point or another. The small yet expansive shop is packed with rows and rows of puffy jackets, skis, climbing harnesses and so on. It is a veritable candy shop for outdoor enthusiasts.

Founded in 2000, this Denver outdoor gear store is hard to miss at 2401 15th St., conveniently located right across the street from the flagship REI. For hardcore outdoors folks, Wilderness Exchange filled a niche for backcountry gear and technical apparel that the larger corporate counterpart could not.

After closing in October for renovations, Black Diamond Equipment, a leading manufacturer of climbing, skiing, and mountain sports gear, announced the grand reopening of the shop as Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange.

“The Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange store represents a novel approach to supporting independent retail while growing our brand in one of the premier outdoor activity markets in the U.S.,” says Neil Fiske, president of Black Diamond Equipment, in a statement. “We’re working together to elevate everything that the outdoor enthusiasts of Denver knew and loved about the original Wilderness Exchange: premium gear, expert advice and a thriving outdoor community.”

Following its February reopening, it’s still dedicated to the mission that the original store set out to offer, which is premium outdoor gear along with strong community engagement. The overhaul marks the evolution of an iconic, independent outdoor retailer into a new kind of partner-run mountain shop, merging Black Diamond’s innovative outdoor gear designs with Wilderness Exchange’s community-driven mission to make outdoor activities more affordable and accessible across the board, according to a release.

The shop serves Colorado climbers, backcountry skiers, trail runners and hikers alike. For longtime customers, there is no concern. Much like the original outdoor store, Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange will continue to offer used and consignment outdoor gear and classes, events and partnerships with local organizations.

In addition, it will continue to carry brands outside of Black Diamond such as La Sportiva, Tenaya, Smith, Atomic, Tecnica, Western Mountaineering, Topo, BCA, ATK, Mammut, Petzl and SmartWool.

“Our partnership with Black Diamond allows us to continue our longstanding mission of making the outdoors more accessible and affordable to the local outdoor community in downtown Denver,” says Don Bushey, owner and founder of Wilderness Exchange, in a statement. “The new store combines the best of Wilderness Exchange's legacy with the ability to provide our customers with an immersive brand experience and a world-class mountain shop where they can find the best outdoor equipment available for their adventures.”