Cracked offers a focused taste of classic hand jam climbing on one of Boulder Canyon's distinctive spires. Rising 50 feet in a single pitch, this route demands precision and calm from the moment you step onto the ledge ten feet up—the same starting point as Harebell but veering sharply right into an open-hand corner. The crack quickly tightens, inviting you to engage a series of secure hand jams that offer reliable protection against a backdrop of steep exposure. The transition from wide gold to tight blue Camalots emphasizes the need for well-chosen gear and calculated placements. This route’s steep section climbs confidently, rewarding climbers who appreciate technical jam sequences and minimal route cleaning.

Though brief, the crux presents a perfect stretch of hands jams that challenge your technique without overstaying its welcome. The sustained effort lies in smooth movement and gear management rather than continuous difficulty, making Cracked a superb warm-up or a test of one’s grinding precision before heading to Harebell. Anchoring at the chains above Harebell's top provides a straightforward, safe finish.

Approaching the spire requires a short trek through Boulder Canyon’s rugged terrain, where the air is sharp and the views uncompromising. The climbing area benefits from a north-facing aspect that favors morning ascents in spring through early fall, when the rock is dry, grippy, and cool underfoot. For gear, climbers should pack a solid range of cams, focusing on sizes that fill wide crack sections comfortably to smaller pro for the technical moves. Doubles in hand-sized cams are ideal for locking in security through the steeper sections.

Though it lacks length, Cracked exudes a practical charm born from its straightforward yet exacting climbing style. The spire’s granite calls to climbers looking for a no-frills lead up authentic crack features that test their fundamentals. With low traffic and minimal cleaning needed, this climb offers a direct encounter with the rock’s natural texture and demands respect for the rhythms of trad protection. In all, Cracked is an accessible step into Boulder Canyon’s vertical playground, an invitation to focus on technique and flow amid one of Colorado’s classic climbing venues.

Plan to arrive early to avoid afternoon sun, bring durable shoes suited for crack climbing, and prepare your rack for a range of cams that will let you lock the pieces in snugly. Expect a brief but rewarding experience that hones your gear skills and sharpens your jamming technique in a setting defined by clear lines and the stark purity of granite rock.