HomeClimbingCoffee With Cream

Coffee With Cream: A Sport Climb Along Colorado's South Platte

Conifer, Colorado United States
sport climb
left-facing dihedral
crux at third bolt
granite
single pitch
Colorado
South Platte
Length: 55 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Coffee With Cream
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Coffee With Cream offers an engaging 55-foot sport climb on textured granite reminiscent of Eldorado, featuring a technical crux at the third bolt and a rewarding finish. This short but thoughtful route invites climbers seeking a focused challenge near Colorado's South Platte corridor."

Coffee With Cream: A Sport Climb Along Colorado's South Platte

Rising boldly against the clear Colorado sky, Coffee With Cream offers climbers a compelling sport route that brings a straightforward yet memorable challenge close to the pulse of the South Platte climbing scene. Located within the rugged stretch from Waffle House to Devil's Head, this 55-foot climb finds its voice on a distinctive left-facing dihedral crease, a subtle detail that invites concentration and deliberate movement. The wall’s granite chiseled by years of weathering presents a texture reminiscent of Eldorado Canyon’s more approachable pitches, blending friction with secure handholds.

Starting just right of the Coffee~ Black route, the climb demands keen attention as you work through the lower bolts, warming your fingers and testing your balance. The third bolt marks the true crux, where a moment of mindful technique separates steady progress from struggle. Here, climbers find themselves thinking through the moves, not just relying on brute strength but reading the rock’s rhythm—the small edges, the slight ledges, and the natural breaks in the stone. Surmounting this section, the upper portion unwinds into enjoyable climbing, rewarding effort with a confident finish at the two-bolt anchor.

Positioned at an elevation where mountain winds often accompany your ascent, Coffee With Cream offers more than physical challenge; it delivers a chance to engage the senses. The crunch of shoes on stone, the subtle resin scent mingling with pine-scented air nearby, and occasional calls from distant birds unite to create an environment that is both stark and alive. With a moderate star rating reflecting solid, accessible climbing for those comfortable with 5.9 sport terrain, it’s an inviting destination for climbers sharpening their technique or those looking to add a crisp, spirited pitch to their day.

Planning for Coffee With Cream means preparing for Colorado’s changing conditions. Footwear with solid grip is essential on the slightly polished granite surface, while tightening shoes for precise edge work can make the crux smoother. Weather is a crucial factor—mornings bring cooler temperatures and less glare, while afternoon sun warms the wall but can increase the challenge of maintaining friction grip. Staying hydrated and beginning your climb before midday will maximize comfort and reduce risks of sweaty, slipping holds.

Approach is conveniently straightforward but still demands respect for the surrounding terrain’s natural roughness. The trailhead from Waffle House leads through scrub and scattered pines, a 15-minute hike that steadily ascends, offering sweeping views of the South Platte corridor below. Keeping a steady pace here sets a good rhythm before reaching the base.

Protection is bolted and reliable, but the spacing near the crux calls for trust in your clipping and movement precision. Feel the rock’s personality as you climb – it dares you to be deliberate yet bold, always just nudging your limits but never overwhelming. After topping out, rappelling is the standard descent method; double-check your rope setup and anchor security to ensure a smooth return.

Coffee With Cream captures the essence of Colorado’s accessible yet rewarding climbing: a route framed by natural beauty, technical demand, and practical approach. Whether it’s your next project or a solid tune-up climb, it encourages an intimate dialogue between climber and stone, a partnership forged on movement, focus, and the blunt honesty of vertical pursuit.

Climber Safety

Although the bolts are solid, spacing near the crux requires careful clipping and controlled movement. The rock can be slightly polished, especially later in the day, so approach handholds and footholds with deliberate precision to avoid slips.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length55 feet

Local Tips

Start your climb early to avoid afternoon heat and glare on the granite surface.

Wear climbing shoes with good edging ability; the crux requires precise foot placement.

Hydrate well before the approach—the trail includes a steady uphill walk of about 15 minutes.

Double-check your rappel setup as descent relies on a two-bolt anchor.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating on Coffee With Cream offers a solid challenge that feels well balanced rather than inflated. The crux near the third bolt adds a thoughtful technical section that distinguishes it from more straightforward climbs in the area, similar in approach to classic Eldorado climbs but softer in overall difficulty.

Gear Requirements

The climb is fully bolted with six bolts and finishes at a secure two-bolt anchor, making a standard sport rack sufficient. Focus on clipped protection before the third bolt to manage the crux safely.

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Tags

sport climb
left-facing dihedral
crux at third bolt
granite
single pitch
Colorado
South Platte