"Black Slab Left delivers a focused 50-foot sport climb in Colorado’s rugged Twin Lakes area. With moderate difficulty and a careful approach needed at a sparse anchor, it’s ideal for adventurers seeking steady technical climbing in a crisp alpine setting."
Set just east of the well-known Monitor Rock, the Black Slab Left offers an accessible, single-pitch sport climb in the rugged expanses of Colorado's Twin Lakes area. This route is firmly rooted in a landscape marked by crisp mountain air and open sky, where every step uphill through pine-dotted slopes carries you closer to a granite slab that quietly tests your technical skill. The climb itself stretches about 50 feet, anchored by five bolts that guide you upward on relatively moderate terrain rated 5.8. Despite its approachable difficulty, the route demands attention: one hanger at the anchor is missing, requiring climbers to rely on a single solid bolt and carefully traverse over to adjacent anchors after completing the pitch.
Starting from Parry Park Campground, the approach is straightforward but requires a keen eye — a right turn off Highway 82 onto a dirt road, then a quick fork right leads to a small camping area where you park before hiking up to the base. The trail climbs steadily through open forest, with the scent of pine and the crunch of gravel underfoot, building anticipation for the exposed slab above. The rock face itself is smooth but offers enough texture to keep each move intentional. Climbers will find the route a well-balanced exercise in precision rather than brute strength, offering an ideal introduction to sport climbing in the high Rockies or a refreshing warm-up for more demanding lines nearby.
The Black Slab Left may not boast towering verticality or endless pitches, but it delivers a measured taste of mountain climbing with the reliable backdrop of Colorado's distinctive alpine environment. As the sun moves across the sky, the slab catches light in ways that highlight every feature, inviting climbers to read the rock carefully. Being mindful of the missing hanger and the traverse at the anchor is crucial for safety and smooth descent. This climb rewards those who combine thoughtful preparation with a steady hand and an eye for detail.
For those planning a visit, timing your climb in the late spring through early fall is optimal — snowmelt and rain make the slab slippery and hazardous outside this window. Equipment wise, standard sport climbing gear suffices, but ensure your quickdraws are in good shape, and consider a double set should you choose to protect the traverse carefully. Footwear with precise edging ability enhances confidence on the slab’s subtle holds. Water and sun protection are essential, as the approach offers limited shade and the Colorado sun can be intense at elevation.
Beyond the immediate challenge, climbers often pause to take in sweeping views of the Twin Lakes below and the vast mountain ridges beyond. The area’s quiet grandeur encourages a moment’s reflection on the harmony between human endeavor and wild place. Black Slab Left is less about showy moves and more about connecting with the rock and landscape — a solid choice for those seeking clarity and focus on a single pitch that speaks directly to the heart of Colorado climbing.
Watch your anchors carefully at the top since one hanger is missing. The slab can become slippery after rain or snow, so avoid climbing during wet conditions. The approach includes loose gravel, so good footwear is advised to prevent slips on the way in.
Turn right off CO Hwy 82 just past Parry Park Campground onto the dirt road; fork right after 100 yards to reach the parking area.
Hike directly uphill from the parking spot to the base; the approach is short but steep with loose gravel.
Be cautious at the anchor zone—one hanger is missing, requiring care in clipping and lowering.
Plan your climb for late spring through early fall to avoid slippery slab conditions from snow or rain.
Five bolts protect the route, but note that one hanger at the anchor is missing. Climbers clip the single good bolt on the anchor then traverse to the neighboring anchors for lowering. Quickdraws and reliable sport climbing gear are essential; consider sturdy draws for the anchor move.
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