"Bottlenecks invites climbers to an understated but compelling test of technical trad skills on Eldorado Canyon’s West Ridge. With a cruxy start, solid protection, and manageable length, it’s a focused climb offering both challenge and character."
Bottlenecks stands as a focused and gritty trad climb on Eldorado Canyon’s West Ridge, offering climbers a concise but engaging challenge. Located on the Upper Construction Zone buttress, this route slips in quietly among better-known climbs, delivering a solid taste of Eldo’s character without the fanfare. The approach places you just left of a towering evergreen that guards the base of a noticeably weathered, fragile wall, a hidden guardian to the climb’s first moves. From here, the rock transitions from less stable sections to the dependable dihedral that Bottlenecks proudly claims.
The climb kicks off with a cruxy start that tests your balance and footwork. The initial sequence demands precision, especially because the opening moves hover over a small ledge that invites a fall if your belayer isn’t locked in. As you push upward, the dihedral broadens and grips improve, but don’t get too comfortable; Bottlenecks throws you an additional crux or two, requiring adaptability and steady focus. The rock, while mostly sound, carries faint lichen patches that crave a bit of cleaning but don’t interfere with your hold quality.
Protection along the route keeps a steady rhythm with a standard Eldorado rack. Gear placements come naturally though not always screaming for attention, with useful horizontal breaks providing welcome rests for the eager arms. This climb is one to bring a light rack for speed and efficiency, and the holds that pepper the way offer little momentum pauses in the form of "thank god" grips.
Reach the 60-foot summit of the Upper Construction Zone, and you’ll find yourself atop a vertical wall with expansive views of Eldo’s rugged amphitheater. The descent guides you up and left—northwest—toward a large pine tree secured with two tied slings and a lone carabiner, functioning as the rappel anchor. This station, solid yet minimal, benefits from a quick link or additional carabiners for safer and smoother rap. From there, a controlled rappel drops you back to the base, where the approach trail unwinds in reverse.
Beyond the physicality, Bottlenecks offers a moment of reflection on Eldorado’s evolving rock quality, reminding climbers to stay attentive to fragile sections early on and respect the mountain’s character. Whether you’re ticking off classic 5.9s or stepping into Eldo’s deeper zones, this route rewards those who seek a climb that balances technical challenge with straightforward rock and manageable risk.
Carefully navigate the first moves; the base ledge is small and a fall here can swing you into the wall despite gear placements. The rappel anchor needs upgrading—bring extra hardware and double-check knots and carabiners before descending.
Approach via the directions to P3 of Working Class Hero to find Upper Construction Zone.
Begin climbing just left of the large evergreen at the base of the rotten wall.
Keep your belayer alert during the opening moves to avoid a short fall to the ledge.
Carry a quick link or spare carabiners to reinforce the rappel station at the top.
A standard Eldorado trad rack covers the route well. The rack can be kept light, with useful horizontal features serving as natural rests and gear placements that are sound but not always obvious.
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