Rising sharply from the heart of North Cheyenne Canyon, Brian's Arete commands attention with its clean, prominent spine carved into the Company Wall. This single-pitch sport climb, stretching a solid 60 feet, offers climbers an inviting challenge at a 5.9 grade, balanced between technical finesse and accessible movement. The route's defining feature is the bold arete itself, which you access by stepping off the mellow slab on its left side—this transition sets the tone, blending balance with a touch of exposure. Along the ascent, five well-placed bolts provide confident protection, leading smoothly to a secure two-bolt anchor atop the arete.

The Company Wall’s position within North Cheyenne Canyon ensures that your climb is complemented by sweeping views of Colorado Springs nestled below, with the canyon’s mixed forest breathing quietly around you. Early morning sun warms the rock’s texture, enhancing friction and making foot placements crisp; afternoon climbs benefit from partial shade, keeping the route manageable even on warmer days. This aspect also means the climb dries quickly after precipitation, inviting sprightly ascents soon after rain.

For those preparing for Brian's Arete, approach logistics are straightforward but rewarding. A brief hike from the North Cheyenne Canyon parking area takes roughly 15-20 minutes along well-worn paths that meander through fir and pine stands, the scent of fresh mountain air punctuating the walk. Shoes with sticky rubber and balanced edging capabilities will pay dividends on the slabby moves and the arete’s sharper edges. Bringing a standard sport rack alongside your quickdraws will be enough, but remain mindful of the positional nature of the first bolt — a committed step onto the arete is necessary right from the start.

Safety-wise, the rock is sound, yet the route offers only minimal rest opportunities on the vertical prow, so climbers should be prepared for sustained moves that require steady footwork and focus. The high initial bolt encourages precise clipping practice, so knowing how to manage rope drag on narrow features can make the difference between a smooth run and frustrating stalls. Descend with care via the installed rappel anchors or downclimb if conditions allow, avoiding loose debris at the base.

Brian's Arete is a reliable, crowd-pleasing climb that blends straightforward sport protection with a classic line that holds the character of North Cheyenne’s granite walls. It’s an ideal introduction for climbers looking to push into the 5.9 range with confidence, while seasoned local climbers find a dependable route offering crisp climbing and rewarding exposure. Whether chased in quiet solitude or during the lively weekend rush, it stands as a testament to Colorado Springs’ approachable yet compelling climbing scene.