"Dealer's Choice Left offers a 70-foot technical sport climb tucked in Colorado's 10 Mile Canyon. A mix of precise footwork and steady movement past a tricky roof band makes this route a focused challenge for climbers ready to engage with solid sandstone amidst striking canyon views."
Imagine setting your sights on Dealer's Choice Left, a focused single-pitch sport climb perched within the textured sandstone cliffs of 10 Mile Canyon, Colorado. From the moment your boots crunch the short trail, the route reveals itself as a technical adventure framed by rugged rock and the pulsing energy of the canyon's backdrop. The path itself is straightforward, delivering you swiftly to the base where two bolts mark your initial footholds, shared with the neighboring Dealer's Choice Right. From here, the climb veers left, inviting you to read the rock with precision and confidence. Expect a sequence where balance and careful movement dominate, especially as you negotiate a roof band—an area where loose holds remind you to stay anchored and deliberate.
At 70 feet long, this climb distills the essence of sport climbing into a compact, focused challenge with a US Rating of 5.9. It is approachable for climbers with solid technique who appreciate routes that reward careful footwork and route-finding as much as raw power. The bolts and anchors are reliable, providing peace of mind while you push through the technical sections. The route fits neatly within 10 Mile Canyon's blend of accessible adventure and stunning geology—where each angle of the cliff solar-exposed across the day, offering varied light and heat depending on timing.
Plan your approach by parking near Halfway Rock and following a brief trail that cuts through sagebrush and low shrubs. The hike to base requires minimal time but do keep an eye out for uneven footing where brush meets rock. Early morning or late afternoon climbs often provide the best temperatures, as midday sun can otherwise bake the canyon walls. Regardless of the season, staying hydrated is critical here—the dry mountain air commands respect even in cooler months.
Wear shoes with a firm edge for smearing and edging on the sandstone, and consider bringing a brush to clear chalky holds obstructed by dust or loose rock. The small roof band near the top demands focused attention; it's a moment that tests your movement precision and commitment. While bolts ensure safety, don't underestimate the importance of reading and trusting the rock under your hands and feet to avoid unexpected slips.
From its accessible approach to a crisp and technically rewarding climb, Dealer's Choice Left offers a compact taste of Colorado’s canyon climbing scene. Whether you're dialing in your sport climbing skills or looking for a brisk, scenic climb after a longer day outdoors, this route delivers a solid experience grounded in practical movement and vivid terrain. Take your time, respect the rock’s subtle challenges, and the route will repay you with a clean, confident ascent and compelling canyon views as a backdrop.
Loose holds at the roof band are the main safety concern; maintain three points of contact and test handholds gently. The sandstone can be brittle around this section, so avoid forceful pulls on suspect holds. Always double-check anchors before rappelling.
Approach via the marked trail from Halfway Rock parking; it's a swift, direct hike.
Best climbed in morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat on sandstone.
Bring a brush to clean loose rock and chalk from holds, especially near the roof.
Inspect holds carefully around the roof band; some may feel loose—trust your feet.
Equipped with bolts and anchors, Dealer's Choice Left requires sport climbing gear including quickdraws and a standard climbing rack. The roof band demands careful positioning; a brush might help clear holds.
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