Awakenings presents a focused burst of sport climbing in the well-favored Sand Gulch area near Canon City, Colorado. This route commands attention on a stark black slab that rises sharply against the wind-carved canvas of the Contest Wall. Initiating roughly 30 feet left of the iconic Time Square climb, this single pitch stretches 70 feet through a sequence blending technical slab moves with a final section that curves into a right-facing corner. The rock surface demands close footwork and a quiet calm, as friction holds engage both mind and muscle.

As you ascend, two bolts offer early security on the slab’s clean face before you transition with a subtle rightward lean into the corner’s embrace. The corner itself feels alive, pushing you to read each hold with intention as it carries you past a small roof—a modest challenge that opens into a final section leading leftward towards the anchors. The sixth bolt, positioned somewhat left of the natural climbing line, calls for a longer runner, which prevents rope drag and maintains smooth clipping. Alongside this, the fixed two-bolt anchor stands ready for a reliable belay or rappel.

Rated solidly at 5.9, Awakenings offers a consistent level of difficulty. While guidebooks sometimes hint at a 5.9+, the climb’s flow and hold quality make the grade approachable yet engaging, a dependable option for climbers warming up or sharpening technique on rock that’s neither overly polished nor crumbly. Its modest length and single-pitch format make it an ideal midday climb for those balancing ambition with time constraints.

The approach is straightforward: access Sand Gulch via the Shelf Road corridor, a brief stroll over well-worn trails through high desert landscape peppered with juniper and sandstone outcrops. The climb’s position on the east-facing wall means morning sunlight gently warms the slab, drying slick patches quickly, though afternoon sessions might find the rock cooled and grippy in the mild shade.

Preparation for Awakenings leans practical—bring shoes with moderate stickiness to handle the slab transitions, and consider lightweight gear given the relatively consistent bolt spacing. The route’s modest overhang below the roof offers a natural rhythm, so having quickdraws at hand helps maintain pace. With nearly 90 climbers having rated this line, consensus appreciates its straightforward character and fair challenge.

Ultimately, Awakenings is a climb that balances the thrill of subtle technicality with straightforward protection, making it a smart choice for those seeking a brief but solid introduction to the climbing culture clustered around Canon City’s celebrated cliffs. Whether you’re marking a milestone in your climbing log or simply chasing the satisfaction of a clean send, this route keeps demands clear and the experience grounded in the elemental connection between climber and stone.