"Double Scooter is a focused 70-foot sport climb in Turtle Rocks near Buena Vista, Colorado. The route mixes face climbing and chimney moves on weathered but steady rock, offering a solid 5.9 challenge for climbers seeking a straightforward adventure with a touch of rugged character."
At the heart of Colorado’s Buena Vista climbing scene, Double Scooter stands out as a concise, hands-on sport climb that challenges both technique and nerve. This single-pitch route, stretching roughly 70 feet, takes you up the striking face and through a chimney section, where the rock reveals its raw, imperfect character. At first contact, the wall tests your route-finding ability as patches of weathered stone and remnants of bird activity pepper the climb—elements that add a rough texture but demand attentiveness. The route’s 5.9 rating signals a blend of moderate technical moves with a careful edge, requiring solid footwork and steady composure.
The climb is secured with seven evenly spaced bolts, guiding you safely through the variability of the face and the chimney’s narrowing confines, ending at a two-ring anchor that offers reliable top-out security. Although the rock can feel a bit chossy in spots, the placements hold firm, making gear confidence a key part of the ascent. Climbers will appreciate how the bolt line threads the natural features without forcing overreach, providing spots for hands and feet amid the rougher texture.
Approaching the climb is straightforward within the Turtle Rocks area; the walk-in crosses shrub-lined paths and open rocky terrain that reflect the high-desert environment typical of Buena Vista’s outskirts. The sun-facing aspect means the wall catches warmth through much of the day, but spring and fall provide the most comfortable climbing windows, especially mornings before the afternoon heat sets in. Though brief, the route packs enough detail to sharpen your lead climbing skills, particularly if you are brushing up on bolt-clipping and chimney maneuvers.
Beyond the climb itself, Buena Vista offers a gateway to wild Colorado landscapes, with the Arkansas River pushing nearby, inviting paddlers and climbers alike to test their limits. Whether you’re fresh to sport routes or blending this ascent into a day of multi-pitch nearby exploration, Double Scooter delivers a taste of Colorado’s diverse climbing styles with enough challenge to keep your focus sharp and your movements deliberate.
For those planning to send this climb, be prepared with sticky shoes and chalk to manage the sometimes crumbly holds, and keep an eye on weather forecasts—late summer afternoons can bring sudden thunderstorms. As always, leave no trace of your presence, preserving the fragile balance of this outdoor classroom and the birds that call these cliffs home.
Be cautious of rock quality, especially in the chimney section where holds may feel less secure. Avoid climbing after heavy rain as the rock can become slippery, and watch for bird droppings that might affect grip.
Start early to avoid the afternoon heat on this sun-exposed face.
Check for recent bird activity and avoid disturbing nesting areas.
Bring a tape runner or sling in case you want to extend the anchor for rappel.
Inspect holds carefully on the chimney section due to occasional loose rock.
Equip yourself with a standard sport rack; the route is protected by seven bolts and finishes on a two-ring anchor. Chalk and sticky climbing shoes are recommended to handle the rougher, somewhat loose rock texture.
Upload your photos of Double Scooter and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.