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Chossdergarten: A Bold Trad Climb on North Table Mountain’s East Face

Golden, Colorado United States
loose rock
trad
north table mountain
single pitch
exposed
mental challenge
Length: 40 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Chossdergarten
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Chossdergarten challenges trad climbers with a short but intense pitch on North Table Mountain’s eastern wall. Expect crumbly rock, limited protection low down, and a bold overhang crux that demands both mental grit and technical skill."

Chossdergarten: A Bold Trad Climb on North Table Mountain’s East Face

Chossdergarten presents a raw and rugged trad climbing experience on the eastern wall of North Table Mountain's Pinnacle Area, justice to its name with loose, challenging rock that demands respect and precise movement. The route begins on a narrow ledge tucked into a gully below established rappel anchors, setting the tone for a climb where careful footwork and steady nerves take precedence. For the first 15 to 20 feet, the rock is crumbly and brittle, making solid gear placements scarce. Climbers face an unsettling balance between technique and caution, as protection options are limited and a fall in this section could lead to a dangerous ground impact. This initial segment, rated around 5.4 to 5.5 in difficulty, feels more serious than the number suggests, mostly due to rock quality rather than technical moves.

As you reach the small ledge, the route’s character shifts. Before you lies a crack ascending past a subtle overhang. This section rewards focus and strength, providing secure placements that contrast sharply with the insecure start. The technical crux lies here: navigating the overhang while trusting your gear placements. Progressing beyond this point feels grounded, as you work the crack upward toward the summit of the route's single pitch, roughly 40 feet in total length.

Despite its low YDS rating of 5.8 X, Chossdergarten’s real challenge stems from the mental battle against the precarious rock beneath your hands and feet. The absence of dependable protection low on the climb amps the seriousness factor, earning it an R (runout) safety rating. Still, within the instability lies an undeniable lure—the central crack that offers solid placements and the potential for a satisfying send. This climb stands out as the most stable option on the east face of the Pinnacle, where attempts farther left or right lead to even flimsier stone.

Approaching the climb requires navigating the rugged North Quarry area on Golden Cliffs. The route’s position on North Table Mountain means the landscape around you is stark, with exposed rock faces and sweeping views of the Colorado front range. The environment is unyielding, inviting only the bold and prepared.

Gear up with a standard trad rack capable of handling diverse gear placements, and note the three rappel anchors at the summit for a safe descent. Given the route’s patchy protection early on, climbers should plan for a cautious ascent, minimizing weight and maximizing focus.

In all, Chossdergarten offers a test of nerve, skill, and judgment. Ideal for climbers seeking an adventurous trad challenge with a gritty edge, it provides an opportunity to engage directly with the raw character of Golden’s cliffs. Be prepared to trust your gear above the crack and to listen closely to the rock’s subtle warnings below. This climb isn’t for casual scramble seekers, but for those who appreciate a bold trad routing that rewards composure and sharp climbing instincts.

Climber Safety

The fragile rock at the bottom section compromises protection options and increases fall hazard—exercise caution and avoid moving left or right of the main line to reduce rockfall risk.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Approach through North Quarry with sturdy footwear—trail conditions are rocky and uneven.

Plan for early morning starts to avoid afternoon heat on exposed rock faces.

Bring a light rack emphasizing smaller nuts and cams for tricky placements in the crack.

Use the rappel anchors at the top for a smooth descent—downclimbing is not recommended.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8 X
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 X rating reflects a route where the grade seems deceptively mild technically, but the runout sections and fragile rock demand a strong mental game. The crux at the overhang is a hard pull requiring solid gear, making the rating feel appropriately serious compared to other local moderate trad routes.

Gear Requirements

A standard trad rack is essential. Trust the crack over the overhang for solid gear placements, but be prepared for very limited protection lower on the route. Three rappel anchors await at the summit for a secure retreat.

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Tags

loose rock
trad
north table mountain
single pitch
exposed
mental challenge