"Dom Perignon is a compact, 60-foot trad and sport hybrid route in Boulder Canyon, featuring a clean hand crack with bolted security. A practical choice for those seeking a moderate 5.9 challenge with solid protection and striking granite surroundings."
Amid the towering walls of Boulder Canyon, the Dom Perignon route offers a concise yet satisfying climb that delivers a focused encounter with clean hand cracks and solid gear placements. Located on the Second Tier of the Avalon area, this route stands just to the right of the more demanding Dominator, inviting climbers looking for a taste of technical crack climbing without the exhaustive commitment. The 60-foot pitch presents a moderate 5.9 challenge, balanced between trad placements and two strategic bolts—one positioned low, the other near the top—providing both security and confidence for those refining their crack technique.
From the foot of the route, the air carries the cool, dry character of the Rockies, with the rough granite surface feeling firm beneath every hand and foot. The hand crack demands steady attention, pulling you upward through the dihedral, threading your fingers into the fissure as you ascend. The bolts ease the mental load placed on gear placements, offering anchors that encourage fluid movement rather than hesitation.
Beyond the physical climb, the area rewards with expansive views of Boulder Canyon’s raw stone faces and scattered pockets of Ponderosa pine that catch the light of the afternoon sun. The route’s approachable rating and straightforward protection make Dom Perignon an ideal outing for intermediate climbers who want to sharpen crack skills while enjoying the classic Colorado granite environment.
Planning your ascent here means expecting a short approach on durable trails and bringing a standard trad rack with cams suited for a variety of hand and finger-sized placements, alongside quickdraws for the two bolts. Given the length, most climbers complete the route within 20 minutes of climbing time, making it perfect for a focused afternoon venture or as a warm-up before tackling more sustained lines nearby.
Water is usually scarce around the climbing base, so carrying adequate hydration is essential, and mornings provide cooler temperatures to avoid midday heat. Proper footwear with sticky rubber enhances grip on the granite slabs interspersed between crack sections. In all, Dom Perignon stands as a reliable blend of challenge and safety that welcomes climbers stepping up from easier routes toward the classic Boulder Canyon crack experience.
While protection is straightforward with bolts and gear, some placements require attention to ensure cams sit securely inside the crack. The granite is solid but can be slick on slab sections, so maintain precise footwork throughout the climb.
Start early to avoid afternoon heat on the granite face.
Wear sticky-soled shoes for better friction on slab sections.
Carry 2-3 cams in the 0.3 to 1 inch range for optimal protection.
Hydrate well before and after the short, yet exposed hike to the base.
Bring a basic trad rack covering hand to finger-sized cams alongside quickdraws for the two bolts. Expect solid placements within the hand crack and reliable fixed gear at the anchor.
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