Ascending Order presents a focused, earnest challenge along the rugged Golden Cliffs of North Table Mountain, Colorado. This single pitch trad climb stretches out over 110 feet of demanding, varied terrain. The route begins in the heart of the Winter Warmer Area, where early light filters through sparse pinyon pines, illuminating the rocky shoulders of the POS Dihedral. Here, climbers engage immediately with technical footwork, moving left to trace the dihedral's subtle features toward the diving board. The iconic wedged old white tat marks a crucial transition point, a tactile reminder of the route's history.

From this diving board, the climb opens into a well-defined hand crack that rewards precision and body positioning. As you ascend, the crack guides you upward to the first fixed bolt, offering a moment to rest and clip before pushing higher. Above, a solid block beckons with a step that demands careful balance before navigating a series of bolts leading through a scooped section of rock with generous holds.

The final thrust pushes climbers right onto another hefty block, where two more bolts secure protection before the route widens into an offwidth that tests wider placements and arm strength. Here, gear placements grow progressively larger – a sequence that requires a keen eye to protect the upper offwidth safely. The climb concludes at bolted anchors with chains, standing sentinel over the expansive views of Golden beneath.

For climbers plotting this route, gear strategy is crucial: starting low with small cams and building through medium sizes up to #4 and #5 Camalots prepares you for the varied crack sizes encountered. The position demands both patience and assertiveness, rewarding those who come prepared for the shifting demands of hand cracks and wide-offwidth climbing.

Ascenders will find the approach straightforward, a short walk from the trailhead on a well-marked path that carves through open terrain with intermittent shade. North Table Mountain’s limestone provides generally reliable rock quality, but standard caution is advised on loose blocks near anchors and in the offwidth.

Best climbed in moderate temperatures, late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable conditions. The cliff’s east-facing orientation lights up well in the morning, with the afternoon providing shade—ideal for pacing your ascent around midday heat.

Descending involves rappelling from the fixed anchors, a straightforward but attentive procedure to avoid rope drag or snagging on the blocks below. This route’s blend of trad climbing integrity, tactical gear placements, and exposed moves makes Ascending Order a solid choice for climbers looking to sharpen crack skills on a single pitch that is at once accessible and engaging.

Whether you’re solidifying your trad foundation or seeking a focused line with clear sequences and good protection, Ascending Order delivers a grounded but spirited taste of Colorado’s rich climbing culture and landscape.