Choss Boss marks a brief yet gritty segment of trad climbing tucked just above the anchor for Cheech and Choss in the Boulder Canyon area. This route isn’t crafted for the pleasure seeker—its 70-foot length offers a dirty, hand-sized crack that demands attention more for its utility than its appeal. As you step onto this route, the rough texture of rock mixed with patches of moss serves as a firm reminder that not every climb in the mountains is pristine or polished. Instead, Choss Boss plays a practical role, bridging the gap between Cheech and Choss and the anchor atop the second pitch of Lost Highway, making it a connector rather than a destination.

The climb’s rating sits at 5.8 with an R designation, signaling that the route carries some risk primarily due to unreliable rock quality rather than sheer technical difficulty. Protection is limited and best suited for gear up to two inches, so placing solid gear demands a watchful eye and steady hands. While the placement opportunities aren’t abundant, the climb rewards those who approach with caution and preparation.

Set within the Lost Highway Area near Boulder, Colorado, this route occupies a quiet slice of terrain in Boulder Canyon, where tall cliffs rise sharply against the open sky. The surroundings are typical high-country with pine stands dotting the approach trails and the occasional sweeping view down the valley. It’s an area where the rock can be rugged and unpredictable; nature itself feels like it’s pushing climbers to respect the mountain’s raw edge.

For those planning to tackle this climb, be ready for a short but demanding warm-up that tests your ability to read rock and place pro in a less-than-ideal environment. Its role as a link route means it is most often used in combination with nearby climbs, specifically as a path upward from Cheech and Choss. Expect a quick but deliberate climb, where your gear rack and mental readiness can make all the difference navigating loose sections and mossy cracks.

Finally, access to Choss Boss demands focus on your approach. The trails here offer moderate footing through forested paths leading up to Boulder Canyon’s cliffs, with an estimated approach time of about 15 to 20 minutes from the trailhead. Once on the route, the descent options typically involve rappelling back to anchors or careful downclimbing back to the base, so plan your gear accordingly. Lightweight but comprehensive protection is key here, along with sturdy footwear capable of handling the gritty, sometimes slippery rock.

Choss Boss won't thrill those hunting for a polished pitch, but it stands as a practical piece of the Boulder Canyon trad climbing puzzle. Approach it with respect and preparation, and it transforms into an essential stepping stone in an adventurous climbing day out in Colorado's rugged landscape.