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Big Chicken Dinner: Sport Climbing on REMF Wall at Crystal Fortress

South Platte, Colorado United States
sport climbing
thin holds
positive crimps
single pitch
technical moves
forest approach
exposed anchors
Length: 60 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Big Chicken Dinner
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Big Chicken Dinner offers a brief yet dynamic challenge on South Platte's REMF Wall, with powerful moves leading to a rest and thin, positive sequences to the summit. This 5.9 sport route balances technical climbing with solid protection, perfect for climbers aiming to sharpen their technique in a scenic mountain setting."

Big Chicken Dinner: Sport Climbing on REMF Wall at Crystal Fortress

Perched on the rugged REMF Wall within the Crystal Fortress area of South Platte, Colorado, Big Chicken Dinner offers a concise but spirited climb that commands your focus from the first move to the anchor. This single-pitch, 60-foot route starts with a handful of powerful, technical moves just above the ground, demanding both strength and precision before settling into a well-earned rest ledge. As you push upward from here, the climbing transitions into a series of thinner, yet positive holds — the kind that challenge your finger strength without compromising security. The rock is solid, the bolts well-placed, and the line clean, making it an excellent choice for climbers looking to test their endurance on sport routes without committing to multi-pitch complexity.

The approach to REMF Wall is straightforward, carving through pine-scented trails typical of South Platte’s forested terrain. This access ensures that climbers can arrive mentally prepared without a grueling haul before the first clip. At an altitude that brings crisp mountain air and occasional breezes, the climb balances physical effort with refreshing surroundings. The wall’s orientation captures ample afternoon sun, warming the holds and illuminating the textures that make route-reading an intricate puzzle.

Protection is straightforward, featuring seven bolts that ascend neatly to clippable anchors. This setup invites confident clipping and encourages a smooth rhythm without fiddling for gear placements. For those looking to practice toproping, it’s recommended to rig off your own gear to preserve the bolts' longevity and maintain safety standards. Given the route’s sport classification and 5.9 rating, Big Chicken Dinner suits climbers who appreciate a route that tests technique more than sheer endurance, with a steady increase in difficulty that nudges but doesn’t overwhelm.

Local climbing communities praise Big Chicken Dinner for its combination of bouldering-style moves off the deck and thinner, sustained sequences further up the wall. Unlike some routes that rely on brute strength alone, this line rewards deliberate footwork and careful body positioning. Those arriving in spring or fall will find the temperate weather ideal for working the route without overheating. Summer afternoons bring sun warmth, while winter conditions call for caution given potential chill and frozen patches near the base.

After topping out, retreating is simple and safe. You can downclimb back to solid, level ground or use the bolt anchors for a confident rappel. The nearby scenery of Crystal Fortress offers inspiring views of pine-covered ridges and distant peaks, reminding climbers that each climb is part of a larger alpine adventure.

Whether you're warming up for longer climbs nearby, or seeking a compact but rewarding challenge focusing on sport technique, Big Chicken Dinner delivers an approachable yet engaging experience. Prepare with sturdy shoes capable of edging on thin holds, hydrate well, and approach the wall with respect for both its technical demands and the quiet power of the Colorado forest enveloping it.

Climber Safety

The bolts are well-maintained and visible, but the technical moves early on demand careful attention to foot placement and clipping; a misstep near the start could lead to a fall onto a small ledge below. Avoid climbing when wet to reduce risk of slipping on the thin holds.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length60 feet

Local Tips

Arrive prepared with shoes suitable for delicate edging on thin holds.

Hydrate before and during your climb; the altitude can increase dehydration.

Morning or late afternoon climbs offer cooler temperatures and optimal grip.

Check the weather conditions—avoid climbing after heavy rain to prevent slippery rock.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.9, Big Chicken Dinner feels firmly placed in the moderate range, with a slightly stiff introduction through the first moves off the deck. The crux requires precise footwork and finger strength on thin holds, elevating the challenge beyond a plain 5.9. Compared to nearby sport routes, it offers a balanced blend of power and finesse, rewarding climbers who focus on movement quality rather than raw strength.

Gear Requirements

Seven bolts line the route for straightforward clipping up to the anchors. Toproping is allowed but climbers should set anchors using their own gear to protect the hardware and ensure safety.

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Tags

sport climbing
thin holds
positive crimps
single pitch
technical moves
forest approach
exposed anchors