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Amazonite at Mine Hole Crag: A Leftmost Boulder Canyon Testpiece

Boulder, Colorado United States
technical slab
single-pitch
moderate
leftmost route
Boulder Canyon
trad gear
bolt-protected
Length: 55 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Amazonite
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Amazonite stands as the leftmost trad climb on Mine Hole Crag, delivering a sharp balance test on its single, technical pitch. Ideal for climbers looking to sharpen slab skills amid Boulder Canyon’s striking landscape."

Amazonite at Mine Hole Crag: A Leftmost Boulder Canyon Testpiece

Amazonite offers a gripping single-pitch trad climb that commands your focus from start to finish. Positioned as the leftmost route on Mine Hole Crag, this 55-foot ascent invites you into a compact alcove where the rock’s personality shifts abruptly. The approach begins with a cautious slab featuring cracks hugging the right wall, demanding precise footwork and steady composure. As you reach the hanging slab, held aloft like a precarious platform, the climb pivots into its defining moment. A carefully placed first bolt marks the start of the crux: a challenging sequence where holds angle unexpectedly, forcing you to rethink balance and body position in real time. Confidence here is earned, not given.

Moving beyond this technical zone, the wall eases, peppered with two more bolts that guide you toward a two-bolt anchor perched at the top. One anchor hanger, nearly shut, retains a rusty quicklink framing the final secure point. Protection calls for a light rack extending to a #1 Camalot, with three bolts strategically positioned to complement the natural gear placements, but the slab to your left remains unprotected—an element that underscores the need for attentive movement.

Set against the rugged backdrop of Boulder Canyon, the climb lets you absorb the quiet strength of the crag, where clean lines slice through steep rock faces. This route demands both mental and physical attentiveness, ideal for climbers comfortable on moderate 5.8 terrain who crave a test of balance and route-finding. Though not widely voted on, the route’s ten recorded ascents and modest star rating suggest a niche favorite among locals who value its subtle challenge.

Preparation is straightforward but essential: sturdy climbing shoes with sharp edges help navigate the slab sections, while moderate rack weight maintains efficient mobility. Approach is short but requires threading through Boulder Canyon’s rugged paths, rewarding with views of sweeping peaks and the scent of dry pine carried on open air. Best climbed in the spring or fall, when rock temperatures stay cool and friction grips reliably.

For those seeking a climb with a little mystery—its name not yet etched in guidebooks—Amazonite extends an invitation to explore the quiet edges of Mine Hole Crag’s offerings. It’s a route that encourages precision, calm under pressure, and enjoyment of the purest climbing elements in one swift, breath-catching pitch.

Climber Safety

Exercise caution on the unprotected slab sections left of the route where slip risk increases. Anchor quicklinks show signs of wear—inspect your gear and be prepared for subtle rock shifts near the hanging slab.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length55 feet

Local Tips

Wear sharp-edged climbing shoes to better grip the slab.

Focus carefully on the crux where holds angle away—balance is key.

Approach via Boulder Canyon trails; plan for a 20–30 minute hike.

Best climbed in cooler seasons like spring or fall to maximize friction.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 rating feels accurate but leans toward the upper end due to the sustained balance and tricky sequencing on the crux slab. The bolt placements offer security but don't simplify the technical moves, making it a satisfying challenge among Boulder’s moderate trad lines.

Gear Requirements

A light rack to a #1 Camalot suffices, complemented by three bolts and a two-bolt anchor featuring a rusty quicklink. Slab to the left is unprotected, so maintaining balance is critical.

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Tags

technical slab
single-pitch
moderate
leftmost route
Boulder Canyon
trad gear
bolt-protected