Bundle of Fleece offers climbers a focused, compact sport route carved into the steep slab that sits quietly between Piece of the Action and 5.8~ My Ass at The Quarry. This single pitch climb spans roughly 80 feet, demanding precise footwork and confident smearing to reach the first bolt. The slab’s texture grips and tests every edge of your rubber as you ascend, making the initial moves both technical and rewarding. Beyond the first bolt, the route eases slightly, dropping into a rhythm past a couple of well-spaced bolts, leading you toward a stance perched just above an inviting overlap. This is where the route opens up into an interplay of balance and subtle power. Small gear placements become available on the big flake here, offering a rare moment to pause and assess before pushing through the final moves.

Continuing upward, you pass one last bolt before reaching an independent anchor stationed atop a short handcrack that finishes the climb. This closing section introduces a touch of variety in technique, demanding a shift from the slab’s sloping face to more direct hand jams. The combination of bolts and optional small cams gives both security and flexibility in protection, allowing climbers to adapt to their gear preferences while maintaining confidence on thin rock.

The route’s location at Thunder Ridge situates it within the West Creek corridor of the South Platte area, a place known for its rugged granite and compelling line choices. Accessible yet sufficiently remote, this stretch of rock offers a quiet space where the river’s distant murmur sets a constant rhythm beneath a soaring sky. The granite here feels alive, engaging your senses with its cool, rough texture and a subtle change in light as the sun arcs westward in the afternoon.

Plan your visit with practical gear in mind: sticky-soled climbing shoes are essential to master the slab’s delicate surface, and a rack centered around small cams (#0.3 to #1) complements the seven well-placed bolts. Review the approach well, as the trail to The Quarry involves a steady walk along Thunder Ridge; expect around 30 minutes on uneven terrain marked by loose rocks and forest patches. Timing your climb in late morning or early afternoon provides the best light, with shadows retreating to reveal the rock’s features clearly.

Though rated a solid 5.9, Bundle of Fleece’s challenges come more from the mental game of trusting tiny footholds and managing unsteady body positions than from sustained physical pump. The grade might feel approachable for climbers comfortable on slab terrain, but the subtle cruxes and need for precise gear placements warrant respect. Compared to nearby routes, this climb offers a more continuous slab experience, standing apart from steeper or crack-dominated lines in the area.

Safety calls for measured movement; the slab can feel exposed if you rush, and gear placements high on the face require calm assessment. Firm shoe rubber and deliberate foot placements help fend off slips, while bringing a helmet is wise given the loose rock occasionally found on approach trails.

Whether you are looking to sharpen your slab climbing skills or searching for a focused, accessible sport challenge in the South Platte corridor, Bundle of Fleece delivers a clean, thoughtful climb that rewards patience and precision. It’s a route that invites you to read the rock as much as you press forward — a true test of finesse amid the towering quiet of Thunder Ridge.