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Adrenaline: The Longest Trad Challenge on Sundance Buttress

Estes Park, Colorado United States
trad
multi-pitch
runout
long-route
granite
established
route-finding
R protection
Length: 700 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
9
Location
Adrenaline
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Adrenaline pushes climbers through nine demanding pitches on Lumpy Ridge’s Sundance Buttress, delivering a long, varied trad climb with solid granite and challenging runouts. Perfect for those seeking an adventurous step beyond the classic lines in Estes Park Valley."

Adrenaline: The Longest Trad Challenge on Sundance Buttress

Adrenaline stretches out over 700 feet of vertical adventure on Lumpy Ridge, offering climbers a raw and rewarding experience well off the beaten path in the Estes Park Valley. This nine-pitch trad climb sits just left of the well-known English Opening on the Eumenides Slab, calling out to those who’ve ticked off the more polished classics and crave something longer, less traveled, and thoroughly engaging. The route's rock is solid and varied, demanding sharp route-finding skills as you navigate cracks and slabs that wander with a mind of their own. Expect runouts on sections rated 5.9 R that test both your mental steadiness and confidence in gear placement.

The approach begins with a hike from Sundance Trailhead, winding through dense pinewoods and open granite slabs to the base of Lumpy Ridge, where the ridge's craggy outline looms like a rugged challenge daring you to step up. The climb’s terrain mixes friction slabs with crack systems, providing a chance to practice traditional protection placements amidst some loosening rock sections that require caution. The nature around you is alive with the hum of wind through the needles, scent of mountain pine, and expansive views of the Estes Park Valley stretching far beneath.

This route is ideal for climbers looking to push their endurance on one of the longest routes here. Though some of the protection spots can feel sparse, careful placement of your standard Lumpy rack and RPs will keep you safe if you’re attentive. A 60-meter rope lets you link pitches where possible, reducing the time spent at belays and preserving energy for the longer stretches. Given the length and sustained effort, start early to avoid afternoon heat, and carry ample water for the approach and climb.

The route’s rating of 5.9 R means technical moves peppered with sections where good protection is thin, so mental focus is as important as physical skill. While not the flashiest climb on Lumpy Ridge, Adrenaline offers an authentic trad test where each pitch feels earned. Its less traveled nature rewards adventurers craving solitude and a climb that lets them read the rock and rely on their own judgment.

Plan your descent carefully: a walk-off trail leads back down from the top, but navigate with attention to avoid loose scree and maintain steady footing after an intense day of climbing. This route sits within a protected wilderness area, so leave no trace and respect the fragile mountain environment. In sum, Adrenaline provides a lengthy, solid rock climb with rewarding movement and a genuine sense of adventure—a fitting challenge for climbers ready to extend their boundaries on Colorado’s iconic granite.

Climber Safety

Watch out for runouts on key pitches and a handful of loose sections that demand cautious gear placement and steady climbing. The multi-pitch length means fatigue can increase risk, and the approach/descent terrain includes some unstable scree requiring attention.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches9
Length700 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid afternoon sun and save energy during the long climb.

Use a 60m rope to link pitches where possible and speed up your ascent.

Double-check your protection placements—some areas have loose or sparse options.

Plan your descent route carefully; the walk-off can be steep and requires good footing.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9 R
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.9 R, Adrenaline challenges climbers with technical moves and sections of runout protection. The R rating signals that some pitches require confident placement and composure, especially compared to nearby routes with more secure gear. While 5.9 generally feels approachable for intermediate climbers, the runouts mean it can quickly escalate in seriousness.

Gear Requirements

Standard Lumpy Ridge trad rack is essential, including cams and nuts, supplemented by small RPs for tricky placements. Bring multiple slings to extend placements around flared or runout sections.

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Tags

trad
multi-pitch
runout
long-route
granite
established
route-finding
R protection