HomeClimbingBeer Pong

Beer Pong: A Raw Trad Challenge on North Table Mountain

Golden, Colorado United States
trad crack
loose rock
small cams
shared anchor
north table mountain
golden colorado
Length: 65 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Beer Pong
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Beer Pong carves out a gritty 65-foot trad pitch on North Table Mountain’s Golden Cliffs. This climb tests steady hands and thoughtful gear placements amid slightly loose rock, offering a rewarding challenge far from polished sport routes."

Beer Pong: A Raw Trad Challenge on North Table Mountain

Beer Pong offers a rugged introduction to trad climbing on North Table Mountain’s Golden Cliffs, an area prized by climbers seeking authenticity over polish. Unlike routes with pristine holds and polished jugs, this line wears the character of a true backcountry climb—slightly grimy, peppered with loose rock, and demanding careful footwork and steady conviction. The rock itself is steep and mostly solid, but the occasional fragmented patch requires vigilance.

Stretching over 65 feet in a single pitch, Beer Pong focuses on straightforward climbing with a few understated moves that test your route-finding skills as much as your grip strength. The line follows a crack system of moderate width, demanding trusted placements with small cams and nuts rather than larger gear, as the pro can feel sparse and sometimes tricky to piece together. The shared anchor with Beer Barrel Buttress at the top ensures a solid belay station for the descent or for belaying a partner.

Approaching Beer Pong involves a brief hike through dry Colorado foothill scrub and rocky outcrops, with the air often carrying the crisp scent of pine and earth warmed by the sun. The climb faces east, inviting morning light to wash over its surfaces, making early ascents ideal before the afternoon heat sets in. The North Table Mountain area itself is a favored playground for Golden locals and visitors who appreciate climbing that rewards patience and tenacity rather than quick sends.

Safety here leans on managing the loose rock patches and respecting the imperfections of the line. Wearing a helmet is a must, especially given the occasional sound of shifting stone and the route’s natural grime. Expect to clean holds as you go and place gear deliberately, as reliability depends on cautious placements rather than polished features.

For climbers targeting a solid 5.9- test on quality granite with a little grit and history, Beer Pong represents a climb worthy of a lap. While it doesn't boast glistening hand jams or slick face holds, the route’s raw personality delivers an honest slice of Colorado’s trad climbing ethos. It encourages measured movement and rewards attentiveness, making it a staple for those wanting to experience North Table Mountain’s classic trad flavor without the fuss.

Practical considerations: pack climbing shoes with a reliable edge for smearing, bring a standard rack emphasizing small cams and nuts, and plan your ascent in the cooler morning hours to avoid the midday sun baking the cliff walls. The walk back is straightforward but watch for loose gravel underfoot on the approach and descent. This climb suits those comfortable with moderate trad protection in a lightly trafficked but accessible area, offering enough challenge to sharpen skills while being approachable for climbers at the upper beginner to intermediate level.

Climber Safety

Loose rock patches and dirt require helmets and vigilant gear placement. The natural grime on holds calls for cautious movement and deliberate cleaning to avoid slipping. Approach and descent feature loose gravel, so solid footing is essential at all times.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length65 feet

Local Tips

Wear a helmet—loose rock is present, so expect some small debris.

Bring a rack focused on small cams and nuts, skipping larger cams where possible.

Start climbs early morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and better light.

Be prepared to clean and brush holds as the route can be dirty and dusty.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9-
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9- rating on Beer Pong feels fairly accurate for climbers comfortable on moderate trad cracks. The grade leans toward the softer side compared to more sustained 5.9s in the area, but the presence of loose rock and the need for careful gear placements add a subtle mental challenge that raises the route’s overall character. Compared to nearby Beer Barrel Buttress routes, Beer Pong is less polished but no less rewarding for those who like their climbs with a bit of grit.

Gear Requirements

Protection is primarily small cams and nuts despite the crack's seeming width; carefully search for solid placements. Route shares an anchor with Beer Barrel Buttress for a secure top-rope setup or rappel.

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Tags

trad crack
loose rock
small cams
shared anchor
north table mountain
golden colorado