Direct Second Buttress offers an alluring escape from the busier routes in Rocky Mountain National Park, hidden in plain sight along the rugged face of Hallett Peak. This eight-pitch trad climb combines alpine grit with a manageable 5.9 rating, inviting those willing to venture beyond the beaten path into a climb that challenges both your route-finding skills and climbing technique. The approach itself starts with a steady hike past popular climbs like Culp-Bossier and Jackson-Johnson, but soon you will find yourself alone, contending with the loose rock and exposed granite that define this less-traveled line.

From the base, the climb unfolds in a landscape defined by towering corners, steep slabs, and intermittent sections of solid, juggy crack systems. Expect the initial pitch to test your nerves with a mix of 5.8 corner climbing, requiring careful movement and attention to loose holds. Following this, the crux pitch appears, deceptively marked by fixed slings high above a shallow, right-facing corner. This is a technical pitch that rewards precise footwork and controlled body positioning as you navigate a blank rock face dotted with minimal handholds. The difficulty here runs slightly softer than the guidebook suggests, leaning closer toward 5.9 than the stated 5.10a, but the protection remains close to your feet, demanding deliberate placements and patience.

Beyond the crux, the route eases into a series of exposed, juggy pitches averaging around 5.7 and 5.8 that lead you upward along a mix of striking granite corners and slabby faces. The rock quality varies; some areas feel solid and reassuring, while others require caution due to looseness, especially on traverse sections. One standout pitch is a right-facing corner with a roof that challenges you through a juggy weakness, granting generous holds and spectacular exposure. As you climb higher, the vast expanse of the surrounding alpine meadows and distant peaks opens up around you, making every vertical meter a reward.

Protection throughout the climb demands a specialized rack focusing on smaller cams—the largest being around a #3.5 Friend. While most pro placements sit comfortably at feet level, anchors on this route are modest. Notably, the belay atop pitch two, as described in common guidebooks, is far from reliable; climbers should plan ahead for extended pitches or find better stances on sweeping ledges. The final pitch challenges you with a loose but straightforward notch featuring 5.6 climbing to reach the summit ridge, where boulder belays await and the descent route becomes clear.

The descent is typically made by heading northward up the summit ridge to a gully, providing a straightforward walk-off, but attention to footing is critical on loose terrain after the technical challenge. Plan your climb for late summer to early fall, when dry conditions prevail and afternoon storms are less frequent. Early starts are also wise to avoid climbing in the heat and to ensure good light on the more delicate crux sections.

In essence, Direct Second Buttress is a rewarding journey into an overlooked corner of RMNP’s alpine climbing scene. It balances exposure, technical climbing, and the reminder that quiet places still exist, waiting for attentive adventurers. Proper gear selection, a keen eye for route-finding, and steady nerves are key preparation points to turn this understated trad line into a memorable alpine day on the rock.