Back on Track offers a distinctive trad climbing experience along the rugged limestone walls of Lookout Mountain, just outside Golden, Colorado. This one-pitch route weaves through a natural chimney before opening into a short, right-facing dihedral that demands both technique and thoughtful gear placement. The climb begins in a tight, chimney-like slot that tests your ability to maneuver within confined spaces, immediately engaging your core and balance. Rising from the chimney, you emerge onto a small ledge where you’ll prepare for the crux—a reachy move that requires precise hand and footwork on thin gear, challenging both your reach and mental focus. The climb then shifts into a more open groove as you ascend the dihedral, climbing with a steady yet dynamic rhythm before angling left toward the anchored top bolts. The natural protection here is solid but demands careful selection: a range of cams from black Alien to #4 Camalot, complemented by large wires and smaller yellow TCUs, will keep you safe throughout this well-protected line.

This route carries quiet stories of resilience, named after the “Back on Track” clinic—Susie Finley’s physical therapy space specializing in canine and climber rehabilitation. The climb honors that spirit, inviting climbers to push past physical limits with confidence and care. Lookout Mountain’s limestone walls stand firm, the rock cool against your palms in the morning shade, offering a serene yet commanding backdrop. Expect the steady hiss of mountain wind and the occasional call of distant birds, all underscoring the raw, outdoor realism that defines this climb.

Approach is straightforward but calls for attentiveness: the trail is short and well-marked, crossing patches of fir and ponderosa pine that frame sweeping views of the Denver basin below. A 15-minute hike brings you to the base, where the route’s protective chimney waits. Given the intensity packed into a single pitch, gear preparation is essential. Emphasize a balanced rack, ensuring you bring a tested selection of cams that fit narrow cracks and wider placements, plus sturdy nuts to back up your anchors. The rating comes with a PG13 caution—not overly difficult but requiring decisive moves and careful gear choices that reward steady hands and thoughtful technique.

Climbing Back on Track is an invitation to reconnect with fundamental trad skills while soaking in a compact but vivid slice of Colorado’s climbing scene. The single pitch, just over sixty feet, concentrates effort and exposure, delivering a satisfying summit and safe rappel back down. Conditions swing best in spring and fall when the sun hits the wall at an angle, warming the rock without baking it. Avoid hotter summer afternoons when the sun’s glare makes the limestone slick. Descent is straightforward: a single rappel down to the base ensures a smooth exit, with minimal downclimbing required.

Whether you’re refining gear management, seeking a reliable moderate climb, or simply craving a slice of the Front Range’s limestone, Back on Track is a direct and memorable route to anchor your day on Lookout Mountain.