"BS Too? challenges climbers with a clean double crack system above a bolted slab in Box Canyon, offering a brief but focused trad climb near Steamboat Springs. Its straightforward protection and approachable length make it a practical pick for honing crack skills without losing sight of the mountain’s wild character."
BS Too? offers a straightforward yet satisfying trad climb etched into the granite faces north of Steamboat Springs. This route weaves upward along a slab clothed with two fixed bolts before transitioning into a clean double crack system that commands your attention and technical finesse. The granite here feels alive under your fingertips, cool and slightly textured, rewarding precise foot placements. The first pitch, about 20 feet in length, guides you with a mix of bolted protection and natural gear opportunities—two bolts secure the slab section while a sequence of cams fit snugly into the parallel cracks above. These cracks invite careful jamming techniques, encouraging you to engage fully with the rock’s physical character.
Once you finish the first pitch, you face a choice: step right and clip into a fixed anchor that offers a solid belay station, or push onward into an unconfirmed second pitch. Details for pitch two are scarce, which means scouting or local knowledge will enhance your approach. The area surrounding this climb is classic Colorado high country, with fresh pine scents drifting on cool breezes and intermittent views that flicker through the trees to the distant ridgelines. Though the climb is short—only about 40 feet in total—it packs a focused technical burst ideal for climbers tuning their crack technique or those seeking a low-commitment trad climb near an accessible mountain town.
Protection calls for a compact rack tailored to crack sizes ascending from smaller #0.5 and #0.75 Camalots to a larger #1, perfect for the double crack’s varying width. The two bolts on the slab offer safety right off the bat, easing the lead while you find rhythm on the face. Given the route’s modest length and primarily moderate difficulty, it suits climbers looking to combine a quick morning climb with exploration of Box Canyon’s diverse offerings.
Approach is manageable—an easy walk from the nearby parking area north of Steamboat Springs, threading through light forest and rock fields where the sound of distant wildlife underlines the quiet energy of the place. The granite’s sun-exposed surfaces warm up nicely midday, but morning or late afternoon climbs will keep you comfortable. A quick rappel or straightforward downclimb from the bolted anchor completes your descent. For any adventurous spirit in Colorado’s climbing scene, BS Too? blends technical crack work with simple logistics to form a refreshing day out on the rock.
Watch your footing on the slab where rock can be smooth and less featured. Ensure all gear placements in the crack are snug, as the protection relies heavily on precise cam placement. The second pitch is not well-documented, so scout carefully or top-rope first to avoid surprises.
Arrive early to catch cooler temps and avoid afternoon sun on the slab.
Pack a rack focused on small to medium cams for the crack system.
Check local conditions or ask around for second pitch details before committing.
Prepare for a short rappel or easy downclimb from the fixed anchors.
Essential protection includes two bolts securing the initial slab section, supplemented by two #0.5 and two #0.75 Camalots alongside one #1 Camalot for crack placements. A two-bolt anchor completes the belay setup.
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