Cows Are People Too offers a refreshing slice of trad climbing on Colorado’s Greyrock formation, tucked within the rugged embrace of Poudre Canyon near Fort Collins. This single-pitch, 200-foot climb combines moderate scrambling with a sharply technical finish that demands attention and finesse. Starting with a right-facing corner rated 5.6, the initial section invites climbers to engage with a smooth, water-polished slab surface that shimmers under the Colorado sun. The rock feels alive beneath your fingers, each subtle nuance contributing to the rhythm of movement required to advance.

After topping out on the corner, the route pushes into a stretch of moderate terrain leading to a striking, arching crack where protection placements become available. Here, the rock’s personality shifts — tactile, solid, and reassuring. Placing a large cam mid-way provides both a mental and physical checkpoint before the crux slab moves demand a commitment to precise footwork and balance. The lone bolt, a debated relic placed either by the original first ascenders or the enigmatic "Greyrock Retrobolter," hangs quietly as a reassuring option but does little to dim the traditional spirit of the climb.

As you navigate these slab moves, the rock’s smooth curves compel careful, thoughtful climbing—the climber’s subtle shifts mirrored by the stone’s patient steadiness. The exit moves are both challenging and rewarding, carving a path to the belay at the “Ribeye Flake” ledge, a perfect place to pause, absorb the canyon’s whispers, and prepare for descent.

Braiding practicality with adventure, the descent involves rappelling from a sturdy tree anchor on Cow Pie Ledge, utilizing two 60-meter ropes, or choosing a single 60-meter rappel to a manageable downclimb. The approach is straightforward, but the route's occasional mismatched listing in local guidebooks underscores the importance of preparing with updated topo information. The rock’s protection calls for a rack that emphasizes a few cams up to 4 inches complemented by stoppers, leaving the bolt as a safety net rather than a crutch.

This route serves climbers bridging the gap between sport and traditional disciplines—providing an accessible yet engaging challenge that enjoys excellent rock quality and a remarkable setting. Whether you’re sharpening your slab skills or chasing a classic 5.9 line in the Colorado high country, Cows Are People Too delivers an experience marked by solid moves, thoughtful placements, and a touch of local lore embedded in its bolt.

Practical considerations include timing your climb to avoid the summer afternoon heat, wearing shoes with a reliable but sensitive sole to navigate polished surfaces, and packing plenty of water for the approach and descent. The surrounding area offers a slice of the high country’s quiet energy, punctuated only by the distant murmur of the Poudre River daring climbers onward toward their next ascent. This is trad climbing with personality—open, honest, and rewarding every step of the way.