"A compact but demanding trad route tucked just right of classic lines on North Table Mountain, this climb blends gritty cracks and surprising challenges. It’s a perfect test for those wanting technical moves paired with a sharp Colorado ridge view."
Rising sharply from a rugged shelf on North Table Mountain, Al & Mike's Frosty Little Adventure beckons climbers with an unrefined welcome and an honest taste of the cliff’s raw character. This 60-foot trad route plunges into a jagged network of cracks that demand a thoughtful approach and a steady hand. Starting a mere 20 feet right of the more frequented "This Bone’s For You," the climb begins with a deliberate step from a well-positioned boulder, guiding you past an undercut wall base into a clean, inviting crack. The air here carries the cool breath of the foothills, and pine needles crunch faintly beneath your boots as you settle into the crack system.
The line travels upward and angles right, weaving through a variety of crack sizes that challenge both footwork and gear selection. As the rock thins out, you'll face a rotten bulge crowded with loose seams and dotted with stubborn lichen. This section dares you with a big, blind reach—demanding commitment in the face of uncertain holds. A sloping shelf offers brief respite on the right, before a cautious shuffle leftward into what feels like a pocket of quiet destruction: lichenville. Navigating this zone takes a mix of balance and patience.
The finale asks for finesse, as you mantle over broad, flat-topped blocks to reach the summit of a small rocky pinnacle. Just a step from the ridge’s rim, this spot offers space to lasso the top block or deploy a couple of 2 to 3-inch cams in the hidden slot behind for a solid belay. The exposed but manageably rugged terrain means you can savor panoramic views with Colorado’s foothills stretching wide beneath you.
Descending here is straightforward—a walk-off leads you north along the rim for about 100 yards back to the start. Despite its modest stature, the route demands respect; its steeper-than-expected pitched face and occasional choss provide steady challenges that keep the rhythm engaging. Gear placements generally lock in well, but the climb’s deceptive angles and loose spots urge a cautious, measured pace. Al & Mike’s Frosty Little Adventure offers a compelling blend of technical skill and raw adventure—a fitting endeavor for climbers seeking a solid test amid the Golden cliffs’ dramatic landscape.
The bulge section includes loose rock and unreliable seams coated with lichen—avoid trusting holds blindly and place gear with caution. The summit block belay can be secured with cams but watch for unstable blocks during the final mantle. The approach trail crosses loose scree and a trail section, which can be slippery when damp.
Start from the boulder across the trail for easiest access to the crack.
Watch for loose rock near the bulge—test every hold before weighting.
Use micro cams and nuts to supplement gear in tight, licheny cracks.
Plan your descent north along the rim—trail can be uneven and slippery when wet.
Bring a full trad rack including cams from 2" to 3", stoppers, and a few quickdraws and slings for anchoring. Protection opportunities appear frequently but require careful placement among loose rock and lichen-covered seams.
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