Tucked into the rugged contours of Triangle Rock’s North face, Bucket Brigade offers a brief but textured tradition climb that invites both those easing into the area and seasoned climbers scouting quick lines. This one-pitch, 60-foot route sits just uphill and slightly left of the busy Stud Pile, forming part of a cluster of five routes that collectively test your ability to read the rock and manage minimal but thoughtful protection. Though not the star attraction of Lumpy Ridge climbing, Bucket Brigade rewards with gritty flakes to grip and a diagonal dihedral that teases both movement and commitment.

The approach leans into the terrain’s natural rhythm: begin by following the path toward Gollum’s Arch, then descend into a narrow gully before embarking on a careful traverse eastward to reach the North face. Expect shrubs and patchy brush underfoot that slow your pace slightly but also alert you to the wild, less-travelled vibe of the spot. This approach mirrors access for the nearby Twin Owls area but comes with a quieter sense of remoteness.

On the route itself, climbers confront a series of four dihedrals, with Bucket Brigade beginning just left of the westernmost line. Your first moves involve negotiating a horizontal crack where useful pro can be placed—a reassuring moment of control before committing upward. From there, you slip into the dihedral, balancing between the textured face holds on the right and the dihedral walls, making steady progress toward a flake crowned ledge. The key moment arrives as you traverse right, encountering an exposed jug-shaped hold, dubbed the 'bucket.' This feature demands caution since it isn’t fully reliable, pushing many climbers to favor a top-rope setup rather than leading outright. The option to finesse past this point using smaller holds means the climb keeps its technical edge, rewarding those with steady feet and confidence.

Though the line’s modest length means you won’t be on it all day, the diverse terrain and cautious placements make Bucket Brigade a useful test of skills, especially for trad climbers hungry for variety beyond the better-known routes in Estes Park Valley. Protection calls for a small rack loaded with cams in the #0.75 to #1 Camalot range, complemented by slings, underscoring the need to trust your gear and your judgment.

After topping out, a straightforward walk-off down the South face leads you eastward to a safe descent, giving climbers a relaxed way to exit without additional technical challenges. The rock here shows the marks of time and character — gritty yet solid — and while it may not command the spotlight, Bucket Brigade fits neatly into a day spent exploring Triangle Rock’s sharper edges.

If you find yourself drawn to the quieter corners of Lumpy Ridge and want a route that blends low-key adventure with technical moves and a manageable approach, Bucket Brigade is a subtle reminder that great climbs don’t always need to be lengthy or famous. It’s a climb that speaks to preparation and care, rewarding those who keep their focus and gear compact. Timing your visit in the warmth of summer or early fall ensures dry conditions on the granite face, while the northern exposure offers a mix of shade and sun, ideal for moderate temperatures throughout the day. Whether topping out on top-rope, or testing lead skills, this route offers a solid dose of Colorado trad climbing flavor within reach of Estes Park’s main climbing hubs.