"Don’t Touch This in Clear Creek Canyon stands as an accessible 5.8 sport climb that sharpens fundamentals on solid stone. With six bolts guarding a single pitch, this route blends clear protection and simple moves—ideal for climbers easing into the rhythm of the Oz’s rugged terrain."
Don't Touch This offers a straightforward introduction to climbing in Upper Oz, tucked into the rugged landscape of Clear Creek Canyon near Golden, Colorado. With just a single pitch stretching 60 feet, this route is a comfortable starting point for anyone looking to experience the rock’s texture and the canyon’s natural energy without overreach. The climb travels up a bolted face that demands careful footwork more than complex moves, making it approachable for climbers stepping up to 5.8.
Starting at the base, you’ll find your footing on solid stone that responds with a quiet firmness under your hands and feet. The rock seems to brace itself against the persistent canyon winds, inviting steady movement up through a line protected by six well-spaced bolts. Vegetation creeps near the anchor zone, where you’ll spot an oddly placed rock bolted against the wall—a detail that feels less natural, a human interruption in otherwise clean slate climbing. It shares an anchor with the neighboring route to the left, offering an efficient descent point.
The canyon itself breathes around you: the air is dense with the scent of pines and warmed earth, while Clear Creek’s waters murmur in the distance, urging climbers onward. The approach involves a short, manageable trek that sets the tone for the climb — minimal fuss, maximum engagement with the raw landscape. For those looking to sharpen their sport climbing basics, the route’s safe feel is a confidence builder before pushing into more demanding grades.
Climbers should time their ascent to catch the morning or late afternoon sun, as the wall faces east and can become hot midday. Shoes with sticky rubber and precise edging capabilities will serve best here, combined with a quickdraw rack to match the six bolts safely protecting the climb. Hydration is key, especially on warm days — bring enough water to stay alert and refreshed amid the dry canyon air.
Planning the descent is straightforward: rappelling from the shared anchors provides an efficient route back to the ground, but keep an eye on vegetation that can snag ropes or obstruct smooth lowering. The approach, the climb, and the descent all fit together into a graceful loop of effort and rest, perfect for a half-day outing or a training day in the varied terrain of Clear Creek Canyon.
With its solid rock, modest difficulty, and thoughtful protection, Don't Touch This is a practical route that invites adventurers to engage, learn, and appreciate the subtle challenges of sport climbing in the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Watch for vegetation near the anchor that could interfere with rope management on rappel. The rock is solid but remain cautious of loose dirt or twigs underfoot during approach and descent.
Begin your climb in the morning or late afternoon to avoid intense midday heat.
Use climbing shoes with precise edging for better footholds on rock edges.
Bring extra water due to the dry, sun-exposed canyon environment.
Check vegetation around the anchor before rappelling to prevent rope snags.
Six bolts protect the climb comfortably, with a shared anchor for rappelling. A standard sport rack with quickdraws will cover the gear needs. Expect secure placements and no mandatory traditional gear.
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