HomeClimbingBloody Lady Di

Bloody Lady Di: A Raw and Gritty Colorado Trad Climb

Golden, Colorado United States
trad crack
stem moves
sharp glass shards
bushy sections
single pitch
Colorado trad
Length: 80 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Bloody Lady Di
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"A sharp and gritty trad route on Lookout Mountain, Bloody Lady Di challenges climbers with a compact 80 feet of exposed crack and stem climbing. This line’s unfinished nature, sparse protection, and raw edge demand focus and solid technique within one pitch of rugged Colorado climbing."

Bloody Lady Di: A Raw and Gritty Colorado Trad Climb

Bloody Lady Di carves a demanding line just left of the Joy of My World on Lookout Mountain, offering climbers a tightly packed 80-foot pitch that blends slick stem moves with pockets of subtle protection. The route’s rugged personality is evident from the first foot jam, which demands both finesse and resolve. A light sweep has brushed the face, revealing small ledges but also leaving shards of glass that warn of the climb’s unfinished nature—carelessness here can lead to injury, as some firsthand scratches attest. Starting low with a small cam, the climb arcs upward to a challenging crux at around 15 feet where positioning a finger jam opens the way to a cool foot pocket. Beyond the crux, the terrain eases but is thick with scrubby bushes, pushing you to navigate with care since protection becomes sparse.

The route’s key character lies in its raw exposure and the direct engagement with all elements: rock, vegetation, and the faint smell of dust are constant companions. Midway, you transition into a finger crack and flake system that rewards solid footwork and patient moves. A foot cross here offers the stability needed to press onward, but caution is mandatory—scattered glass shards lurk, demanding precise hand and foot placement.

At the top, the bolted anchor shared with Joy of My World caps the pitch, a reliable sanctuary after the gritty ascent. From this vantage, you can continue right onto the exposed 3rd class scramble above the Triangle or set up for a rappel. This climb does require a trad rack to a #3 Camalot and favors clean placements over quick clipping. Given the lean pro sections and ongoing maintenance needed to clear brush, Bloody Lady Di is a testament to engaging with terrain that is still in transition—a route ready for those who appreciate raw, hands-on climbing in Colorado’s classic climbing corridors.

Planning your climb here means preparing for more than just technique. Durable footwear will help against sharp edges and glass, while gloves might be wise for bushy sections. Hydration is key as the route’s exposure and physical demands can catch you by surprise. Early season attempts may face lingering vegetation, while late summer offers drier and more stable conditions. With its blend of physical challenge and environmental grit, Bloody Lady Di invites climbers to experience climbing that is both a test and a tactile conversation with the mountain.

Climber Safety

Beware of loose blocks and shards of glass along the climb, particularly near the finger crack. Protection can be thin in brushy sections—don't tug on vegetation or unstable rock. A trustworthy trad anchor and helmet are highly recommended due to the potential for falling debris.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length80 feet

Local Tips

Watch for sharp glass shards especially near the finger crack section.

Trim vegetation has been minimal; be ready to brush through bushes mid-pitch.

Use gloves to protect hands from scrapes and natural debris.

Start early to avoid afternoon shadows on the moderately west-facing wall.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8 PG13
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.8 PG13, Bloody Lady Di offers a slightly bold edge with its sparse protection and physical crux early on. While the grade itself is moderate, the dirty rock and bushes add a mental layer that can push the climb beyond the typical 5.8 experience. Compared to nearby lines like Joy of My World, it feels a bit stiffer due to its unfinished brushwork and the subtle crux moves, making it rewarding for those ready to engage physically and mentally.

Gear Requirements

A standard trad rack up to a #3 Camalot is essential, as protection runs are spaced with some sections requiring careful cam placements, especially around bushes and the finger crack near the top. A trad anchor is recommended for safety at the bolted anchor.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Bloody Lady Di and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

trad crack
stem moves
sharp glass shards
bushy sections
single pitch
Colorado trad