In the heart of Eldorado Canyon State Park, the Cornered, Straight Up Variation on Lower Peanuts offers a compact yet sharply rewarding trad climb that demands focus and finesse. Starting with the approachable lieback of Your Basic Lieback—rated a friendly 5.6—you quickly find your rhythm before traversing toward the bolt belay that marks your entry into the more demanding terrain above. Beyond this point, the route sheds its early gentleness to confront you with a steepening dihedral corner, where solid, sharp fingers get to grip into a crack that tests your control and patience. The crack itself twists and pulls you upward toward a prominent flake; here, the original Cornered route veers left at an undercling, but this variation challenges you to stay straight up, threading a finger crack to the right of the flake with a steady 5.9 difficulty.

From this focused effort, you reach a spacious ramp/ledge that offers respite and a solid two-bolt anchor perched on the upper right side. The descent is straightforward but demands attention: an 80-foot rappel to a secondary bolt belay followed by another 100 feet down to the ground. This climb can be enjoyed as one continuous pitch, delivering a pulse-raising mix of moderate technical climbing and straightforward protection opportunities. The wall itself keeps you engaged, middling the line between sustained finger jams and casual rests across varied holds, making this route suitable for climbers looking to hone their crack skills without committing to extended multi-pitch endurance.

Being in Eldorado Canyon means you share the air with sandstone walls kissed by morning sun and cooled by afternoon breezes; the rock’s texture is gritty yet reliable, showing signs of weathering but maintaining solid integrity for well-placed smaller cams. While the route is short, it delivers an elevated experience where every move feels intentional, and the natural architecture encourages precise footwork and confident hand placements. For climbers traveling through Boulder or passing near the Front Range, this route offers a rewarding detour from the more crowded sport lines in the area.

Preparation is simple but crucial: bring a set of smaller cams to protect the finger cracks, and plan your approach to avoid peak heat hours, as sun exposure grows in the afternoon on this east-facing wall. With just one pitch, it’s also an excellent option for those sneaking in a quality climb during tight schedules or as a warm-up for longer objectives in the park. Your Basic Lieback’s initial section eases you in before the finger crack variation sharpens the climb’s teeth.

In essence, Cornered, Straight Up Variation is a concise, technically interesting route that balances a friendly introduction with a taste of steeper, more precise crack climbing. It’s a hidden opportunity in one of Colorado’s premier climbing spots, offering manageable commitment with authentic Eldo character.