HomeClimbingCrack (right of Interface)

Crack Right of Interface at Brown Cloud Rocks

Golden, Colorado United States
crack climbing
trad
short pitch
Golden Cliffs
technical finish
rock quality caution
Length: 25 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Crack (right of Interface)
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"A focused, single-pitch traditional route on Brown Cloud Rocks, this crack demands precise technique and clean gear placements. Its subtle finish challenges climbers seeking a different flavor amidst Golden’s sandstone cliffs."

Crack Right of Interface at Brown Cloud Rocks

Set against the stark, weathered cliffs of North Table Mountain’s Golden Cliffs area, the Crack (right of Interface) offers climbers a compact burst of traditional climbing that commands attention despite its modest scale. Descending just 25 feet, this single-pitch route delivers a focused venture up a clearly defined crack system that contrasts sharply with the more frequented lines nearby. The climb immediately draws you in with its raw, hands-and-fingers crack, demanding precise placements and careful footwork.

From the base, the crack announces itself boldly along the face, but don’t let its straightforward appearance fool you. The real challenge emerges as the crack fades near the top, transitioning into a smoother exit that tests your balance and technique. This finishing sequence is subtler but essential—where power shifts into finesse. The route teeters on a 5.9 minus rating, a notch suggesting it’s approachable yet still worthy of respect, especially for climbers eyeing a spot to sharpen their crack climbing skills in the Golden region.

Protection is straightforward but requires attention—gear placements comfortably fit up to a #1 Camalot, with optional larger cams recommended if you prefer a buffer. The cliff’s rock holds a steady, solid texture, yet climbers should be mindful of a hollow pillar positioned just left of the crack, which hints at less stable rock that should be avoided.

Access to the wall is a brief hike from the trailheads weaving through Brown Cloud Rocks, a climbing area known more for its accessibility and sun-drenched faces than for overwhelming crowds. The approach is friendly, with packed dirt trails and minimal scrub, making it a quick way to freshen your rack and test your skills on fine golden sandstone.

Timing your ascent here is flexible year-round; however, early mornings and late afternoons in spring and fall provide ideal temperatures and improved grip. The wall faces predominantly south-southeast, allowing it to warm up quickly but also meaning summer midday climbs can become uncomfortably hot.

The descent is direct and simple: a short walk down adjacent terrain brings you safely back to the trail below, letting you focus more on the climb itself than on complicated exit routes.

In all, Crack (right of Interface) in Brown Cloud Rocks offers an engaging, concentrated dose of tradition climbing—a route that’s both an excellent warm-up for more expansive adventures on North Table’s vast Queen’s Bluffs and a subtle test shy of the spotlight. Prepare well, respect the rock, and bring a keen eye for gear placements to make the most of this under-the-radar challenge.

Climber Safety

Inspect gear placements carefully near the hollow left pillar and avoid weighting any suspect holds. The short height limits fall consequences but unsteady rock could pose risk if ignored.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length25 feet

Local Tips

Avoid the hollow pillar on the left—its stability is questionable.

Optimal climbing windows are early morning or late afternoon in spring and fall.

Wear sticky-soled shoes suited for technical crack work.

Approach trail is short and straightforward—no off-trail bushwhacking required.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9-
Quality
Consensus:Although rated 5.9-, this climb presents a crux where the crack thins and hand jams give way to delicate smears and balance moves, making the grade feel fair but with a subtle increase in difficulty near the top. It’s well pitched for an intermediate trad climber seeking to sharpen crack climbing technique without overextension.

Gear Requirements

Bring a rack that includes cams up to #1 Camalot; optional larger gear can provide additional security. Pay attention to placement quality due to some hollow rock near the pillar on the left side.

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Tags

crack climbing
trad
short pitch
Golden Cliffs
technical finish
rock quality caution