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Buried Treasure: An Accessible Multi-Pitch Sport Climb on Treasure Wall

Boulder, Colorado United States
slabby start
moderate
multi-pitch
exposed arete
beginner friendly
trad optional
Length: 170 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
2
Location
Buried Treasure
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Buried Treasure offers moderate, beginner-friendly multi-pitch sport climbing on Treasure Wall. With two pitches of exposed movement and an option to extend to a third pitch, it’s a perfect introduction to longer routes in Boulder Canyon’s iconic setting."

Buried Treasure: An Accessible Multi-Pitch Sport Climb on Treasure Wall

Buried Treasure invites climbers to embark on an engaging two-pitch sport route that strikes a perfect balance between challenge and approachability on Treasure Wall, Boulder Canyon. This climb is widely regarded as the easiest multi-pitch sport route in the area, making it an ideal choice for those ready to take their first step into the realm of multi-pitch climbing without sacrificing the thrill of exposed, technical terrain.

Starting on a slabby face just left of a large left-facing dihedral, the route begins with moderate moves that require careful footwork—as the rock here can feel somewhat fragile, urging climbers to tread thoughtfully. The first pitch weaves up to the initial bolt, then shifts right, demanding a stem off the dihedral with a 5.9 difficulty rating. Those looking for a sharper challenge can bypass the stemming and tackle the thin face directly at 5.10a, setting an early tone of varied movement and decision-making.

As you ascend, the rock subtly guides you left toward an arete, leading to a notably exposed section where the crux awaits at the 7th and 8th bolts. The easiest path steps left then traverses back right, keeping the difficulty contained at 5.9, but the direct line up the bolts presses forward at 5.10. This exposed wall rewards climbers with impressive vertical relief and offers a small pedestal at the anchor to catch your breath.

The second pitch stands out with its airy character, introducing a rightward traverse and several pitchy face moves rated between 5.7 and 5.8. Climbers find themselves negotiating a steep face and eventually reaching a thrilling, exposed arete. The rock here is fascinating, featuring unusual textures that provide solid handholds but require attentive movement. From this arete, a final leftward angle brings you to the anchor, which coincidentally serves as the starting belay for the adjacent route "Clean Sweep."

For those wanting to extend the adventure, Buried Treasure offers two enticing options: 1) continue upward on the third pitch of "Stayin' Alive," a 5.10a route with 13 bolts that delivers a sustained challenge culminating in a three-pitch sport climb to the summit of Tonnere Tower—this combo is known as "Buried Alive"; or 2) finish on "Clean Sweep" by placing traditional gear (to 3 inches), offering a mixed sport/trad experience.

Access to this climb is straightforward, with the Treasure Wall approach leading climbers uphill about 60 feet to the base of the slabby face. The trail is manageable and well-trafficked, but the initial terrain commands respect for its loose patches and the potential for rockfall. Timing your climb to avoid afternoon thunderstorms is wise, especially in summer months when weather can deteriorate rapidly.

Safety considerations include the local rock quality on the route’s initial pitch, which can be slightly friable; delicate foot placements and handholds necessitate careful movement rather than forceful maneuvers. Rappelling from the top generally involves two rappels—first 70 feet to the anchor atop the first pitch, then 95 feet to the ground. Rappelling requires attention to rope management, especially when pulling ropes to avoid them snagging on a nearby stump around 40 feet up.

This climb offers a welcoming mix for newcomers to multi-pitch sport climbing and seasoned climbers seeking a moderate outing amid Boulder’s classic walls. With easily accessible bolts yet opportunities for gear placements, it also provides an excellent training ground for climbers learning to transition between sport and trad. Coupled with the sweeping views from Tonnere Tower and the approachable adventure it delivers, Buried Treasure stands as a true gateway climb in one of Colorado’s beloved climbing areas.

Climber Safety

The initial slab and stemming section of pitch one feature somewhat friable rock; careful foot placement is essential to avoid dislodging holds. Additionally, the rappel descent requires attention to rope management due to a nearby stump that could cause jamming if ropes are not properly pulled from the left side.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches2
Length170 feet

Local Tips

Approach via the Treasure Wall trail and head uphill about 60 feet to reach the start slab.

Be cautious of slightly fragile rock near the base and on the first pitch; avoid forceful moves.

Consider doing the third pitch by continuing on Stayin' Alive to make a fun three-pitch sport climb.

Manage your rappel ropes carefully to prevent snagging on trees or stumps during descent.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9-
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9- rating reflects a generally moderate challenge suited for climbers stepping into their first multi-pitch sport experience. The route has a few sections where exposure increases the mental challenge, especially on the arete of pitch two. Some optional moves bump difficulty to 5.10a, but many climbers find the easier variations more than sufficient to test their skills.

Gear Requirements

The route is bolted for sport climbing with 10 bolts on pitch 1 and 6 bolts on pitch 2, both ending at 2-bolt anchors. For those interested, many sections can also be protected with traditional gear, offering opportunities to skip bolts with cams up to 3 inches. Bringing a rack that covers small to mid-sized cams is advisable if you want to mix sport and trad protection.

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Tags

slabby start
moderate
multi-pitch
exposed arete
beginner friendly
trad optional