"Standing at the far left of The Dome's West Wall, Bye Bye offers a concise but demanding 125-foot trad climb that tests precision and boldness. Sparse protection and crisp slab climbing come together in a route that honors its history while presenting a quietly powerful challenge."
At the edge of The Dome's West Wall, Bye Bye stakes its claim as a quietly memorable climb, marked by its singular pitch and a 5.9- R rating that warns against complacency. This route offers a blend of straightforward slab climbing peppered with elements that require attentive movement and careful gear placement. Approaching the climb means weaving through a patch of aspens and low brush, a tactile encounter that sharpens the senses with rustling leaves and the cool touch of rough bark under your fingers. Once on the upper ledge, the real test begins—slabs that ask for precise footwork and mental focus, with minimal protection opportunities available. Here, the rock is a patient guardian, demanding respect and rewarding steady balance.
This climb isn’t about flashy moves or packed draws; it’s a quiet dialogue with the rock, where risk and strike system come together. Considering the sparse gear placements, you’ll need a well-considered traditional rack focused on smaller cams and nuts, alert for fleeting cracks and contours to set reliable protection. The route’s position at the far left of the West Wall gives it a raw, less-traveled air. It’s dependable for climbers who appreciate a challenge that isn’t constantly crowded or polished.
The Dome itself sits within an open Colorado landscape known for its rugged terrain and striking contrasts of rock and sky. The ascent grants sweeping exposure from the ledge, rewarding your preparation with panoramic views that stretch across the canyon and distant ranges. For anyone planning to tackle Bye Bye, timing your climb when the wall is shaded in the cooler hours of the morning can improve friction and comfort. Afternoon sun can bake the slabs, making foot placements trickier.
After locking in your summit moves, descending is straightforward but requires attention—scramble and step off carefully through the same ledge system that brought you up, eyes peeled for loose rock and hidden drops. This is a classic Colorado trad route that speaks to climbers who want a short, sharp thrill. Its historical status and minimal footprint make it a quietly rewarding test of judgment and skill.
Prepare well with solid footwear that handles slab rock confidently, carry enough water for the approach especially on warmer days, and be ready to commit to sparse protection. Bye Bye delivers a climb that feels personal, where every step and piece of gear placement counts, nestled within the raw beauty of 10 Mile Canyon’s less crowded corridors.
This route’s sparse protection means a fall can result in significant swing or ground fall. Check all gear placements thoroughly, and be prepared for loose rock near the ledge. Approach with caution through brushy terrain where footing is uneven.
Approach through aspens and low brush; wear durable pants to avoid scrapes.
Start early to take advantage of morning shade on the slabs.
Wear shoes with sticky rubber suited for slab climbing.
Carry minimal gear to stay light but bring enough small cams for tricky placements.
A traditional rack emphasizing small- to medium-sized cams and nuts is crucial here. Protection opportunities are scarce, so place carefully and commit to the runout sections with steady confidence.
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