Tucked just off the trail in Boulder Canyon, Aids is a modest, single-pitch trad climb that offers a rare slice of solitude close to the road—an unusual find in this well-traveled climbing hotspot. The route unfolds along a south-facing slab at Ament's Rock, just past the footbridge that leads to Dome and Frogman Pinnacle. From the moment you set foot on the crumbly slab beneath the climb, the quiet hum of the canyon shifts focus onto the rock itself: a low-angle seam that demands subtle moves rather than powerful jams. This isn't your typical crack climb; the crack itself is thin, starting with an incipient seam just beyond a small roof feature, requiring you to either lieback or carefully jam an angled crack system to reach the top. The climb measures about 50 feet, with protection spaced from small to medium cams, making a light rack the ideal choice.

The approach warns of poison ivy near the trail, so tread cautiously on the short walk from the parking area. Despite its proximity to Boulder city and easy cell phone reception, Aids sees few visitors—partly because it’s one star by guidebook rating and partly because the rock quality requires commitment to clean friction and delicate footwork. The slab’s south-facing exposure means it warms quickly on sunny days, which can be a benefit early in the season but calls for careful timing during summer's warmth when the rock may feel slick.

While the climb’s technical difficulty peaks at 5.9, the rating feels demanding more from its slabbiness and body positioning than from strenuous moves. The rock’s crumbly nature advises slow, firm placements for both hands and feet, and the crack’s unconventional shape puts a premium on balance and footwork over brute force. The topout involves leaving the crack line to move left or right over the roof, testing the climber’s ability to trust small holds and delicate body tension. Aids’ anchor calls for protection from red Alien to #2 Camalot, so gear selection is straightforward but critical.

For those reaching the roof and second-guessing the lead, a solid bailout exists left onto Deb’s Arete (5.6), an easier climb with a walk-off descent route. Whether you complete the line or bail, the descent is straightforward and safe with a walk-off left down the slab.

Though Aids won’t offer blistering exposure or roaring crowds, it provides a focused experience in a quiet corner of Boulder Canyon, appealing to climbers who appreciate the subtleties of friction climbs and are looking for a low-traffic spot close to town. Expect a thoughtful challenge where steady footwork matters more than explosive moves, a reminder that sometimes the quietest climbs demand the highest attention to nuance.