HomeClimbingBreashears' Route

Breashears' Route: A Compact Trad Challenge at Blob Rock

Steamboat Springs, Colorado United States
finger crack
overhang
shared anchors
thin protection
single pitch
Colorado
Steamboat Springs
Length: 40 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Breashears' Route
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Breashears' Route offers a short, technical trad climb on the left side of Blob Rock near Steamboat Springs, blending solid overhanging jugs with a tricky flake and thin protection. This compact 40-foot pitch challenges climbers ready to manage gear with precision in a convenient and scenic Colorado setting."

Breashears' Route: A Compact Trad Challenge at Blob Rock

Breashears' Route carves a concise, engaging path on the left flank of Blob Rock, just a short approach from Steamboat Springs’ iconic Fish Creek Falls. This climb invites adventurers looking to blend a splash of technical trad climbing with accessible terrain and approachable length. Starting with a series of overhanging jugs that demand quiet focus and steady hands, the route transitions into a distinctive flake and crack system—a passage that tests your balance and gear finesse before reaching shared anchors perched at the top. The rock here is solid but subtle, with protection that is thin and requires thoughtful placements, adding a layer of calculated risk to the experience. While many opt to top-rope this line, the commitment of leading it on trad gear raises the stakes and rewards those ready to actively manage their safety on the sharp edges of the rock.

Located on the outskirts of Steamboat Springs in Colorado, Blob Rock stands as an accessible climbing spot, offering a natural playground just minutes from the town's vibrant essentials. The climb’s 40-foot length fits a compact window of climbing time, perfect for those aiming to squeeze in a challenging pitch without a full-day expenditure. The route's moderate 5.9 R grade reflects its technical demands and serious protection considerations—the "R" signifier highlighting that falls could be risky without careful gear placement.

Approach to Blob Rock is straightforward: a brief walk from Fish Creek Falls’ parking areas leads you along a well-marked trail, winding through pine-shaded terrain infused with the sharp scent of mountain air. Climbers will find the anchors shared with a nearby bolted sport route, creating an unusual but effective neighborhood of climbing styles that coexist on this section of rock. This shared setup also means careful coordination is necessary when multiple parties are present.

Breashears’ Route doesn’t offer long-haul exposure but presents enough variety to engage both intermediate climbers testing their trad skills and sport climbers eager to try thin gear placements. The rock’s texture, firm yet weathered, offers reliable hold shapes but demands respect with its slender protection options. This duo of excitement and practical challenge makes it a worthwhile stop when exploring the climbing options around Steamboat Springs.

Weather here is a factor to consider—summer afternoons bring warmth and sun, but early morning climbs often provide cooler, shaded conditions on the north-facing wall, enhancing comfort and grip. The area’s elevation means sudden weather shifts can happen, so packing layered clothing and plenty of water is sage advice.

Overall, Breashears' Route serves as an efficient yet memorable trad climb, perfect for climbers who want a solid introduction to managing risk on thin gear without the complexity of multi-pitch routes. It's a route that combines the rush of trad with the accessibility of a short pitch, anchored in one of Colorado’s lively climbing hubs.

Climber Safety

Protection placements are thin and limited, particularly in the flake and crack section. Falls could be hazardous, so ensure you’re comfortable placing small cams and nuts before leading. Shared anchors require awareness of other climbers to avoid rope crosses or gear entanglement.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Arrive early to avoid crowding, especially near climbing anchors shared with the sport route.

Bring a full rack with smaller-sized cams for tricky placements in the flake crack.

Wear climbing shoes with good edging capabilities to handle overhanging jug sections confidently.

Check weather forecasts carefully — afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly at elevation.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9 R
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 R rating reflects a climb with moderate moves but heightened risk due to runout and thin protection. The R is not soft; falls could have serious consequences without precise gear. Compared to other Steamboat routes, it stands out for its short length yet focused risk, appealing to climbers ready to step up from sport crags to trad terrain.

Gear Requirements

Protection is sparse and thin, requiring careful gear placement primarily in the crack and flake sections. Anchors are shared with the adjacent bolted sport route, and most climbers top-rope this climb. Leading is possible but demands advanced trad skills due to limited pro options.

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Tags

finger crack
overhang
shared anchors
thin protection
single pitch
Colorado
Steamboat Springs