Dig Those Moves offers a focused taste of traditional climbing on the rugged face overlooking the South Fork of St. Vrain Canyon near Lyons, Colorado. This single-pitch route carves through distinct horizontal bands that break the vertical stone, each inviting careful gear placements before reaching a well-protected bolt. The climb demands a steady hand and an eye for subtle features, as protection opportunities appear in the form of small cams and nuts fitting narrow cracks up to 1.5 inches. The rock’s texture is rough and reliable, giving enough friction to confidently move through each sequence. Above the bolt, the lines open to a final stretch guarded by more horizontal breaks in the rock, leading to a large pine tree that marks the anchors—a natural rest point after the sustained effort below.

The approach to this climb rewards you with views of the surrounding South Fork canyon walls, where pine and scrub brush cling to the slopes and the air hums with the sound of the creek far below. This spot holds a quiet energy, as if the rock itself dares you to coax out the moves that link the bands of stone. The rating, 5.8 R, is no accident; the route features runout sections that call for conviction and precise footwork. It’s a climb that feels approachable yet demands respect for its protection gaps, making it ideal for climbers looking to bolster their trad confidence in a setting that balances exposure with tangible gear options.

To prepare, bring a rack tailored towards smaller cams to 1.5-inch sizes and plenty of nuts, plus a nut tool to excavate stubborn placements lodged in the horizontal seams. The route’s length of 70 feet carries you right to the anchor tree where slings are secured, setting you up for a clean descent. When the top is reached, safely rappel 60 to 70 feet back down to the base. Timing your climb for early morning or late afternoon grants cooler temperatures, as the rock bakes under Colorado's sun during mid-day hours.

Overall, the climb is a compact adventure that packs technical movement, strategic gear calls, and a satisfying retreat among classic Rockies landscapes. Whether you’re sharpening trad skills or chasing a solid pitch near Lyons, Dig Those Moves invites you to engage directly with the character of the stone—and the rhythm of the canyon beyond.