Amtrak is a compact but compelling trad route tucked into the southwest corner of The Terminal Area at Castlewood Canyon State Park. Situated just a manageable drive from Denver, this climb offers a short yet engaging ascent that tests your crack skills amid a naturally raw setting. The approach leads you through dense underbrush, where moss clings to the rock and low vegetation surrounds the base, creating an intimate, almost secretive atmosphere. One route-defining feature is a narrow, bush-lined crack that requires finesse and careful footwork, though climbers can opt to skirt this by moving slightly right for cleaner holds.

The climb is roughly 30 feet in length—perfect for a single-pitch outing—and graded 5.8, delivering moderate technical challenges that welcome trad beginners stepping up to crack climbing. The moves along the route reward thoughtful placement and smooth transitions rather than brute strength, making this an excellent option for those developing trad skills with hands-on experience.

Protection is straightforward but demands some preparation: a standard rack will suffice, but securing the top anchor benefits from extended slings or an extra rope, enabling access to natural trees just beyond the rock. This adds a safety margin and options for a secure belay or lowering.

Castlewood Canyon itself is a landscape of rugged sandstone cliffs silhouetted against the Colorado sky, where the blend of forested terrain and open rock faces invites hikers and climbers to explore paths less traveled. The Terminal Area, while not sprawling, provides a quiet backdrop for climbing days that focus on skill-building and enjoying the rhythm of the rock.

Optimal climbing windows fall in spring and fall when temperatures moderate and the sun angle ensures comfortable warmth without overheating. Midday can bring direct sun on the route’s southwest-facing slab, so an early start can ensure pleasant shade from surrounding trees during the approach and descent. Bringing ample water is essential since shade is limited on the rock itself.

For those planning their day here, the trek to The Terminal Area is roughly a 15-minute hike from the parking, crossing terrain that alternates between soft dirt trails and patches of loose rock, so solid footwear with good traction is a must. Gloves and a light brush can help manage the mossy crack and avoid unwanted scrapes.

In all, Amtrak offers a welcome break from crowded crags — a route where you can engage deeply with traditional protection, build crack climbing confidence, and savor the quiet richness of Colorado’s sandstone climbing without the fuss of multi-pitch complexity. Whether you’re stopping by for a focused session or introducing a partner to all things crack climbing, this route is a worthy call to the Terminal Area’s call of adventure.