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15 Big Kahunas

Gunnison, Colorado United States
runout
overhung
mental challenge
exposure
sport climbing
Length: 65 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
15 Big Kahunas
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"15 Big Kahunas is a bold 65-foot sport climb in Powderhorn’s The Point area, testing climbers with a runout crux and steep overhanging terrain. It’s a mental challenge wrapped in solid 5.9 moves that rewards composure and confidence."

15 Big Kahunas

At The Point in Powderhorn, Colorado, the 15 Big Kahunas route demands not just strength but nerve. This single-pitch sport climb stretches 65 feet across a wall where boldness is currency and hesitation costly. The rock leans steeply overhead, presenting a runout crux that threads carefully between bolts three and four. Though the hardest move rarely surpasses a 5.9, the exposure and spacing push your mental grit to the forefront. The rough Colorado sandstone challenges your grip as you balance between confident pulls and wary rests. The route’s openness invites the sun to warm the face, making it a prime afternoon choice when the light catches the grain of the stone to reveal every subtle hold. Climbing here feels like a quiet contest against the wall’s assertive pitch—a test of composure more than raw power. Bolts are spaced with intention, upsizing the mental weight underlying each move. A two-bolt anchor crowns the climb, providing secure relief after the steeper challenges below. To prepare, sturdy climbing shoes that offer sensitive edging and solid heel hooks will come in handy, while chalk helps lock in those precarious grips. The approach to The Point is unmarked but straightforward, traversing rocky terrain beneath open sky, perfect for a light pack and sharp focus. Expect about a 15-minute hike from the main trailhead, winding past piñon pines and dry scrub typical of this corner of Colorado’s high country. Whether it’s your introduction to runout climbing or a proving ground for mental training, 15 Big Kahunas tests your mettle with plain honesty. It’s a route that asks you to trust yourself as much as your gear—because here, courage is the best protection against the exposure that stretches beyond the bolts.

Climber Safety

Because bolts are spaced with deliberate runouts, hesitation or sloppy clipping can increase fall risk significantly. The rock provides solid holds, but the overhang demands careful body positioning. Climbers should be comfortable with runout situations and prepared for a safely executed clipping strategy.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length65 feet

Local Tips

Approach is short but exposed; wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.

Best climbed in the afternoon when the wall warms up.

Chalk up well to combat the slick sandstone texture.

Stay clipped and confident—runouts increase once past the third bolt.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:Though technically around 5.9, the grading on 15 Big Kahunas feels softer than most climbs of similar difficulty due to the spacing between bolts and overhanging stance. The mental load added by the runout crux elevates the climb’s challenge beyond pure physicality, making it a bold step for anyone moving past beginner routes. Compared to nearby sport lines, this trait sets it apart as a proving ground for composure under pressure.

Gear Requirements

4 bolts plus a 2-bolt anchor secure the route. Carefully clip as the spacing demands attention and respect. Bring gear sized for sport climbing; no additional trad protection required.

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Tags

runout
overhung
mental challenge
exposure
sport climbing