"Chubsy is a single-pitch trad climb on Golden’s North Table Mountain that balances a tricky crack start with a stacked-rock chimney. It tests your protection skills and rock judgment, offering a gritty, less polished climbing experience for those ready to engage with a challenging and imperfect route."
Chubsy stands as a raw, solitary pitch that challenges climbers with its unpredictable rock and an adventurous route that demands respect. Located on the weathered cliffs of North Table Mountain, this short but testing climb begins within an intricate crack system before pivoting right into a tight chimney. The chimney section is notable for its patchwork of stacked rocks along the right side, a detail that calls for cautious gear placement and careful movement. This contributes to a sense of walking a fine line between boldness and prudence, making every hold a point of calculated trust rather than certainty.
The climb stretches roughly 50 feet and offers a unique encounter with the rawness of the Golden Cliffs area outside Denver, Colorado. The rock quality veers from stable to suspicious in sections, demanding a hands-on approach that rewards climbers who bring both skill and an acceptance of imperfection. At the chimney’s top, climbers might notice a curious bird or small rodent nest—a subtle reminder that this route inhabits a living cliffside ecosystem, modest and unpolished.
Protection calls for a comprehensive rack, stretching to large cams such as a #4 Camalot and big hexes to navigate the chimney’s wider sections. Despite the opportunity to top-rope from anchors on the neighboring route, The Delegate, rope management can be tricky, especially given the swing potential inside the chimney, which can be mitigated somewhat by carefully peeling off the rock.
The approach is straightforward from the Golden Cliffs area, with ample parking spots nearby and a short walk over rocky terrain. The route sits in a relatively exposed spot on the wall, with sun warming the upper section in the afternoon, ideal for colder months but potentially harsh in peak summer heat. This climb caters to those who embrace the raw, less polished side of trad climbing—a stretch that some might find too bold in terms of rock consistency but rewarding for its honesty and proximity to the city.
Crucially, this is not a climb for the faint-hearted or those seeking a pristine face; the rock quality can be unpredictable, and protection placements demand a confident and seasoned eye. Climbing Chubsy means accepting the personality of the cliff as-is—rough, real, and demanding. When you reach the top, the descent is straightforward: a short rappel or a careful scramble to reach The Delegate’s anchors, from where you can safely return to the base.
For those familiar with the Front Range’s more polished sport routes, Chubsy offers a different narrative—a moment to lean into adventure with gear and wits tightly engaged. It’s a climb that celebrates the imperfect, the gritty, and the occasionally precarious moments that remind you why exploring these cliffs outside Golden is endlessly compelling.
Exercise caution as the upper chimney contains stacked rocks prone to shifting. Protection requires deliberate placements, especially in wider sections. Avoid climbing after heavy rain as looseness increases risk. Use established anchors for descent to maintain safety.
Bring wide cams and big hexes for secure placements in the chimney.
Approach from Golden Cliffs parking; expect a short walk over uneven terrain.
Afternoon sun warms the route; best climbed in cooler seasons.
Be prepared for variable rock quality and place protection carefully.
Standard rack up to a #4 Camalot and large hexes essential for chimney protection. Top-rope from The Delegate anchors is possible but expect a significant swing in the chimney section.
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