Bolted Route Number 4 carves a demanding line across the slick upper Water Slabs in Dream Canyon, Boulder, Colorado. This single-pitch sport climb stretches a compact 100 feet, inviting climbers into a technical dance on thin slabs that challenge balance and footwork more than brute force. The rock underfoot is solid but unyielding, with thin friction moves testing your precision and focus. Above, a roof section marks the standout crux, offering a slightly less technical pull rated around 5.8, where clean holds provide welcome respite. The ascent demands careful foot placements and subtle shifts in body tension, with each move requiring deliberate attention as the rock dares you to commit.

Set at a modest elevation just above Boulder, the route benefits from a quiet setting in Upper Dream Canyon, where granite slabs stand smooth and sun-baked. Early morning or late afternoon sessions bring balanced sunlight, warming the rock without baking it, enhancing friction without overheating. The approach is straightforward, following well-trodden forest trails that grant a steady 20-minute walk through pine stands, cooling the air and filling the lungs with the crisp mountain scent. This route offers a rewarding introduction to slab climbing, ideal for climbers confident with their footwork and eager to refine their slab technique on high-quality bolts.

Protection on Bolted Route Number 4 consists of 6 to 8 bolts leading to a two-bolt anchor that sits comfortably at the top. The bolt spacing is consistent, ensuring a reliable safety buffer while allowing full focus on the movement itself. While the slab moves dominate the challenge, the roof section demands precise pulling strength on well-shaped holds that, while generous, require controlled effort. The route’s grade of 5.9 is firm but fair, with the crux moves feeling just a notch above the pitch’s base challenge—providing enough tension to excite without overwhelming.

For planning your climb, pack climbing shoes with a sticky rubber sole to maximize friction, and consider chalk for those sweat-prone hands, as slab climbing requires clean contacts. The climb is best attempted in dry conditions; even slight dampness on these water-polished slabs robs the surface of vital grip, turning the challenge into an unnecessary risk. Hydration is key, especially if tackling adjacent routes or spending a full day in the canyon.

While the rock is generally sound, vigilance is essential on the slab where footing mistakes can quickly compound. The anchored top allows for safe rappels or lowers, making the descent fluid and straightforward. This route fits neatly into a day of climbing in the Water Slabs area, offering a solid technical test on well-protected terrain surrounded by the breath of alpine forest and the soft rush of distant creek water—all just minutes from Boulder’s vibrant climbing community.

Whether aiming to sharpen slab skills or seeking an approachable yet demanding single-pitch sport climb, Bolted Route Number 4 delivers sharp movement, solid protection, and a taste of Colorado’s distinctive granite character.