Bad Manners is a striking single-pitch trad climb perched on the MBA Buttress of North Table Mountain, just outside the outdoor hub of Golden, Colorado. This route presents a compelling blend of technical crack climbing and bold movement that attracts climbers eager to test their skills on exposed terrain. The climb’s defining feature is a left-facing dihedral, prominent against the golden sandstone cliffs, offering a raw connection with the rock’s natural contours. The ascent begins by threading a dynamic roof crack, demanding precise gear placements and controlled body positioning, before shifting right to reach secure anchors bolted above. Though the rating is 5.9, the challenge lies in the delicate gear work and the physical commitment required to surmount the overhanging roof.

The approach to MBA Buttress is straightforward, placing you in one of the more accessible climbing areas in the Golden Cliffside range, with GPS coordinates marking the route’s position at 39.76832 latitude and -105.21788 longitude. Climbers will walk through short trails peppered with scrub pine and occasional sandstone ledges, soaking in a rugged landscape sculpted by wind and time. The wall faces west, catching afternoon sun but cooling to a pleasant shade earlier in the day—a factor that can shape the timing of your climb, especially through warmer months.

This climb’s protection is both generous and trustworthy. A #0.75 Camalot secures the challenging roof section, while smaller nuts or RPs guard the more delicate moves approaching the two-bolt anchor. This reliable gear arrangement invites climbers to focus on fluid movement without being distracted by gear anxieties. The route’s quality of rock is solid but demands attention; the dihedral’s sandstone can be brittle in places, so clear communication and steady placements are essential.

Bad Manners stands as a solid introduction to technical crack climbs on exposed terrain, with a blend of physicality and gear-savvy beta that rewards careful planning and execution. The nearby town of Golden offers convenient amenities, making it easy to grab a last-minute snack or refill water before launching into your ascent. For those stepping onto the ledge for the first time, the landscape delivers a tactile and immersive experience: sandstone edges feel sharp under fingertips, while the breeze from the adjacent foothills carries the scents of earth and pine, urging climbers onward.

Planning your climb here means choosing your timing wisely; the west-facing wall flourishes in spring and fall, when the sun’s warmth matches the cooling winds. Summer climbs require early starts to dodge the afternoon heat, and as always, a helmet is recommended given the rocky terrain. Descending is straightforward via a double rappel from the two-bolt anchor, but checking rope length and knot security before committing is vital to a safe exit.

Whether you’re shaping your trad skills or seeking a compelling climb to round out a day in the Golden area, Bad Manners offers an engaging balance between adventure and control. Expect to move with precision, place gear thoughtfully, and savor every hold as the rock challenges and supports you in equal measure.