Awful Waffle offers a focused burst of classic Colorado trad climbing on a modest 65-foot face at Devil's Head, a favored destination within the South Platte region. This route invites climbers into a right-facing dihedral where rhythm and balance are key. The climb begins with a stem move, pressing outward against the crack’s edges, engaging both body and mind in a tactile conversation with the rock. As you navigate upward, your hands find themselves on an awkward mantel—the left side grips require careful negotiation due to slightly brittle holds that demand controlled force and precision. Beyond this delicate move, you'll encounter a single fixed bolt, a reliable checkpoint amidst the natural gear placements, which allow for a comfortable clipping moment without breaking the flow.

From the bolt, the route commits to a slabby finish, requiring steady footwork and confidence on less featured stone, a test of nerves as much as technique. The climb concludes at the anchors of No Shirt No Service, offering a convenient and secure top-out point. Protection on Awful Waffle is compact but sufficient: a carefully curated rack of Black Diamond C4 cams between sizes 0.4 and 3 supplemented by nuts fits the crack system well and supports confident placements. There’s no need for an extensive rack here, but precise gear selection and placement experience will make the difference.

Approaching the route, climbers should prepare for a short hike through familiar mixed pine and scrub, with the air often filled by the whisper of mountain breezes and the distant chatter of the forest. The rock’s sun exposure means mornings bring ideal coolness and shade, while the afternoon warmth invites a more physical challenge. Given the single pitch’s intensity and the delicate moves involved, climbers of varying experience levels will find it a rewarding line – advanced beginners brush against intermediate moves that build confidence and blade sharper skills.

Devil’s Head itself is a reliable climbing zone within Colorado’s Front Range, accessible enough for day trips yet offering enough solitude on certain weekdays. Whether you're drawn to testing your body’s control on stemmed cracks or enjoying the calm broken only by the sound of clipped gear and echoing laughter, Awful Waffle provides a compact experience with solid payoff. Entry-level rack knowledge and a steady foot make this climb a satisfying notch on your belt before heading to longer routes nearby or exploring the broader South Platte corridor.

Practical tips include timing your approach early to beat the heat and ensure crisp friction on slab, double-checking your nut placements for added security before committing to the mantel, and bringing shoes with moderate stiffness to comfortably navigate both the crack and slab sections. The brief yet dynamic nature of Awful Waffle encourages focused effort and attentive climbing, ensuring a memorable session on one of Colorado’s lesser-known but characterful walls.