Bottoms Up offers an intriguing chimney climb tucked into the rugged contours of North Table Mountain's East Quarry. This 40-foot trad and top-rope route challenges climbers with its unusual blend of chimney and face climbing, demanding both steady wits and a small rack of gear tuned to offwidth placements. The route sits just left of the well-known Good Ju-Ju, quietly inviting those with a taste for chimney moves that evoke desert climbing styles, despite being anchored in Colorado’s high desert environment.

From the approach, the crack reveals itself as a wide slot rising through clean rock, coaxing climbers to squeeze, chimney, and balance their way upward. The rock has a tactile roughness underfoot and fingertip, with enough features to permit creative sequences—choose your pocket, smear, or chimney wall, as you negotiate the uneven, sometimes awkward passages. The chimney demands more than strength: it offers a tactile dialogue, with rock surfaces daring you to read every subtle texture.

Gear-wise, this climb rewards a minimalist approach. A single #1 Camalot and smaller cams are sufficient to protect the route, with optional additions like a #3 Bigbro lending extra peace of mind for those leading. The placements are often blind but surprisingly reliable if carefully tested. Long slings help manage rope drag, especially when pulling past the constricted crux sections.

Once you gain the ledge halfway through, you face a choice: move right to link up with Good Ju-Ju’s anchor and finish, or tackle a modest but tricky crux to the left that tests mental grit against a slightly exposed face sequence. From the ledge, subtle gear placements such as a blue Alien and #0 TCU await—the right mix of courage and calculated moves lets you push to the top and claim the summit.

The setting amplifies the character of the climb. North Table Mountain, a volcanic mesa overlooking Golden, Colorado, mixes harsh rock features with open skies and patches of scrubby brush that sway in the breeze. The quarry’s edges serve as a quiet sanctuary for climbers looking to escape crowded crags, emphasizing focused movement over flashy climbs.

This route feels approachable with moderate experience yet is no casual stroll—awareness of protection choices and positioning is critical. Climbers should approach with solid chimney technique and confidence in offwidth moves. Footwear should offer gritty rubber for friction on slightly polished faces, and hydration is key, given Colorado’s altitude and sun exposure. Early spring through fall offers the best window, as winter snow can create tricky conditions on approach and rock.

In all, Bottoms Up is a confident step into chimney climbing on North Table Mountain—a perfect blend of unique movement, quiet solitude, and strategic protection placement. Whether you’re scouting for your first real chimney or adding a mellow 5.8 to your logbook, this route stands as a compelling challenge waiting just off Golden’s beaten paths.