The Blind Side carves out a compelling line on the western face of The Bastille, offering climbers an experience that blends moderate hand crack challenges with approachable terrain. This two-pitch trad climb stands as a thoughtful alternative to its neighbors, Blind Faith and West Side, skillfully sidestepping their more intimidating cruxes and runouts. From the first step on the rock, the route invites you into a world where steady hand jams meet tactical moves, all while maneuvering along ramps that shift direction subtly, demanding attention to footwork and gear placement.

Launching from the base, the initial pitch follows a clear hand crack that flows past the West Side turnoff and the brief Blind Faith offwidth. This section encourages confident use of crack techniques without veering into gear-scarce territory, except for a key zone on a left-angling ramp where loose rock reminds you to tread carefully. This is the route’s only segment rated PG13, but the climbing difficulty eases here, allowing focus on safe gear placement rather than pushing moves. A moderate degree of rope drag is present, so mindful management benefits efficiency and fluidity.

The second pitch effortlessly continues the narrative, guiding you climber’s left up a notch-shaped gash toward the West Side line. Here, the route favors the left-hand variation, which keeps things interesting with sustained hand cracks along a right-facing corner before easing back into the familiar comfort of Blind Faith’s hand crack left-facing corner. This pitch can be tailored to your appetite—stop at the top of Blind Faith for a solid send or extend onto the slab leading to Ivy’s cables and enjoy the descent gash’s access.

Situated within the iconic Eldorado Canyon State Park just outside Boulder, Colorado, The Bastille provides an environment that is both accessible and rich in vertical character. The area is marked by buff sandstone walls, offering warm textures to your hands and feet and favoring traditional protection placements. Expect a steady rhythm of cracks and jams with varying angles that keep the body engaged without overwhelming.

Preparing for Blind Side means packing a standard rack with a double set of cams from 0.5 to 2 inches. These will cover the mostly moderate crack sizes, with the occasional need for careful placements in that loose ramp zone on the first pitch. Good footwear that grips on sandstone is a must to handle the ramps and corners confidently. Approach times are reasonable, making it perfect for a half-day outing that combines adventure with solid rock climbing.

The descent follows a classic 4th class trail that leads climbers safely back to the base, requiring no technical rappel but an attentive step due to some exposed sections. Local conditions can vary, so checking weather and rock conditions ahead of time ensures the best experience.

Blind Side is a climb that welcomes a broad range of climbers looking to test their crack climbing skills in a setting that balances challenge and adventure. It captures the spirit of Eldorado Canyon’s trad climbing heritage without demanding perfection, making it a compelling option for intermediate climbers seeking a memorable rub with the sandstone walls of The Bastille.