"Blow Chow slices a challenging 70-foot crack up the Industrial Buttress near Golden, Colorado. This single-pitch trad route offers a blend of tough jams, delicate face moves, and a memorable off-width that climbers won’t soon forget."
Towering over the rugged contours of North Table Mountain, Blow Chow carves a bold line through the Industrial Buttress's rocky facade. This 70-foot single-pitch crack climb demands steady hands and a keen eye as it ascends straight before veering left midway, compelling climbers into a sequence of challenging jams and delicate face moves that test both technique and composure. From the first jam to the off-width section three-quarters up, each move engages with a deliberate rhythm that keeps climbers closely connected to the rough granite face. Notably, the off-width segment offers a unique physical puzzle, though a quieter alternative on the face left provides an equally engaging option that rewards balance and precise footwork.
The climb’s raw, unpolished nature lends it a gritty character but comes with quirks: a substantial deposit of bird guano sits about ten feet up, tucked deep in the crack. Climbers should maintain awareness and avoid pressing their face into this section; a simple broom would transform this climb's cleanliness, but as it stands, the feature is a part of the route’s authentic wilderness vibe.
Protection is straightforward yet essential. Carry a traditional rack, making room for larger cams like #3 and #4 Camalots, which secure tricky placements especially through the wider crack sections. Since there are no fixed anchors at the top, prepare double slings to build solid anchors around a chockstone or natural features. This setup requires both familiarity with trad gear and confidence in anchor building.
Reaching the route starts with a short approach west of the third-class gully that separates the Industrial Buttress from the MBA Buttress. The trail here is straightforward but steep underfoot, transitioning swiftly from forested steps to exposed rock. Allow about 10–15 minutes from the main parking area in Golden, Colorado, keeping your GPS tuned near latitude 39.7686 and longitude -105.21875 to stay on track.
Blow Chow, with its raw edges and straightforward length, invites climbers seeking a classic trad experience that blends technical crack climbing with an approachable altitude. The moderate rating of 5.8 includes a crux move early on—slightly demanding yet fair—followed by sustained 5.7 moves that keep the momentum flowing without overcomplicating the ascent. It’s a route well suited for those familiar with traditional protection who want to hone crack efficiency paired with some playful face climbing. With roughly 22 votes averaging just under two stars, this climb offers a raw slice of Colorado’s climbing spirit, ideal for an afternoon mission or a first exploration of the Industrial Buttress area.
Timing your climb in the spring or fall brings pleasant, stable temperatures with enough daylight to savor views of Golden’s cliffs and the wider Front Range, while avoiding summer’s stamina-sapping heat. Early morning starts ensure shade on the face, preserving grip and comfort. Descending involves a careful walk off the backside of the buttress, where solid footing returns and the mountain’s quiet makes for a reflective cool-down after battling the crack’s holds and jams.
In sum, Blow Chow is a persistent crack climb that rejects simplicity. It asks for your full attention, balancing grit with technical intrigue and a touch of nature’s unpredictability. A single pitch of engagement, it stands as a worthy highlight for trad climbers exploring Colorado’s lesser-known granite edges.
Watch for the pigeon guano lodged inside the crack about 10 feet up, avoiding putting your face too close to this section. No fixed anchors at the top require careful anchor building using double slings around chockstones.
Bring a broom or brush to clear the pigeon guano about 10 feet up before climbing.
Double-check your large cam placements in the off-width section for added security.
Start early to enjoy shady climbs and cooler rock temperatures in the morning.
Plan for a 10–15 minute approach from the main Golden parking area, staying left of the gully.
A standard traditional climbing rack including larger cams like #3 and #4 Camalots is essential, plus double slings for building secure anchors on chockstones since no fixed belay anchors exist.
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