HomeClimbingBetter than Streaking

Better than Streaking

Golden, Colorado United States
left-facing dihedral
trad rack
single pitch
technical moves
gear anchor
Clear Creek Canyon
Length: 50 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Better than Streaking
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Better than Streaking is a sharp 50-foot trad climb on a left-facing dihedral in Clear Creek Canyon. It combines technical, thoughtful movement with solid natural protection, perfect for climbers honing trad skills in a peaceful setting."

Better than Streaking

Better than Streaking offers a compact yet rewarding trad climb tucked into the Upper Wall of Clear Creek Canyon, where a single pitch unfolds across a 50-foot left-facing dihedral. The moment you step onto the rock, the climb asks for a mind focused on observation and strategy. The opening sequence challenges you with a subtle traverse left beneath a small roof, demanding careful footwork and a sharp eye to spot the most efficient path through a cluster of promising holds. This technical start sets the tone for the rest of the route, where solid protection placements ease both your grip and confidence as you ascend. The rock’s texture and features invite a steady pace; fun moves reward patience and deliberate positioning rather than brute strength. Protection is straightforward for those familiar with placing cams, relying on a standard rack up to a #2 Camalot, with a reliable gear anchor waiting at the top to secure your descent or to transition to a next pitch if desired. The approach to Better than Streaking is approachable and brief, setting the stage without excessive trail wear or bushwhacking. Situated within Real Hidden Valley, the route is part of a quieter pocket of Clear Creek Canyon that draws climbers seeking thoughtful trad routes away from busier sectors, offering the calming hum of the canyon’s natural sounds and scattered rays of sunlight filtering through rocky outcrops. This climb sits near Golden, Colorado, providing climbers a taste of mountain air paired with accessible wilderness. Better than Streaking’s 5.8- rating offers a welcoming challenge that feels fair yet engaging, especially for trad climbers stepping up their crack climbing skills without facing overwhelming difficulty. The route rewards curiosity with well-earned moves and clean protection opportunities, making it an excellent pick for an afternoon dedicated to refining skill amid Colorado's rugged terrain.

Climber Safety

The small roof near the start demands precise footwork and good route reading to avoid awkward falls. Protect your head and be cautious about spotter positioning below. Rock quality is generally sound, but keep an eye out for loose edges near the base.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Scout the traverse beneath the roof carefully; the holds are good but not always obvious.

Wear sticky-soled climbing shoes to maintain traction on the subtle face moves.

Start early to avoid the midday sun hitting the wall, which can warm the rock and make grips slick.

Use gloves or tape on your hands if your skin is sensitive to crack friction.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8-
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8- rating here feels approachable but purposeful, with a crux at the bottom that challenges climbers to think about body positioning and move selection rather than brute force. Compared to other Clear Creek Canyon climbs, it sits comfortably in the moderate spectrum, offering a solid introduction to dihedral climbing without sudden difficulty spikes.

Gear Requirements

Bring a standard traditional rack up to a #2 Camalot. The protection placements are classic but require careful attention, especially near the bottom section beneath the small roof. A sturdy gear anchor is established at the top for easy rappelling or bail options.

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Tags

left-facing dihedral
trad rack
single pitch
technical moves
gear anchor
Clear Creek Canyon