"A Little Bit of Everything blends finger jams and a classic dihedral on clean Pump Station rock, perfect for climbers seeking a moderate trad challenge with solid protection and rewarding exposure. Just outside Buena Vista, this two-pitch climb invites you to explore a varied line that tests technique and rope management."
A Little Bit of Everything offers a genuine taste of the Pump Station climbing scene just outside Buena Vista, Colorado. This approachable two-pitch trad route stretches approximately 100 feet along clean rock, challenging climbers with a varied climbing experience that lives up to its name. The route begins on a prominent finger crack situated on the climber’s left side of the Pump Station wall. This initial section invites you to find secure hand and finger jams, building confidence on moderate moves that hover between 5.7 and 5.8. As you ascend, a bolt near the top offers additional security before reaching a set of eyebolts where you can establish an anchor and belay safely.
For those ready to push onward, the route continues up an evident dihedral, escalating the technical challenge to 5.9. The exposure here sharpens the focus, requiring attentive footwork and sustained balance. Despite the increased difficulty, protection remains solid at the crux, using standard trad gear with well-placed placements that inspire trust without demanding excessive gear stacking.
The rock features a mix of smooth faces and jamming cracks, providing a balanced experience for climbers seeking a moderate outing with some variety. The line’s exposure encourages a respect for the fall potential, while the setting above Buena Vista offers views of its high mountain surroundings, bringing the outdoors vividly to life. Climbers appreciate the clear rock quality here, with few loose holds to disrupt flow.
Planning your ascent requires consideration of rope management, especially if attempting the entire route in one pitch. Extra runners help to limit rope drag, making the climb more efficient and safer. Also, caution is crucial when lowering from the top, particularly when using a 60-meter rope to avoid potential rope rub or grounding.
Winter and early spring can bring slick conditions, so timing your climb during the warmer months—late spring through early fall—will provide the best rock surface and comfortable temperatures. Morning climbs benefit from cooling shade, with the wall gaining sunlight as the day progresses.
This route serves both newer trad climbers ready to test crack skills, and those looking to sharpen their technique on moderate vertical terrain. The approachable grade, manageable length, and varied features make "A Little Bit of Everything" a must-try line for anyone exploring the Pump Station area who wants a straightforward but engaging trad challenge.
Lowering demands attention to rope drag and potential snagging points—always use extra runners and double-check anchor placements. Weather shifts can quickly alter rock conditions, so avoid climbs when the rock is damp or cold.
Approach the finger crack with steady jamming technique—good hand and foot placements make all the difference.
Use extra runners if linking pitches to avoid rope drag in the crack and dihedral sections.
Exercise caution when lowering from the top; a 60-meter rope can snag if not managed carefully.
Plan to climb during warmer months for optimal rock conditions and minimal moisture on the face.
Bring a standard trad rack augmented with extra runners to reduce rope drag, especially if you plan to link pitches into one continuous climb. A 60-meter rope is suitable but requires careful lowering technique.
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