Down the Allie on Backstreet Wall, situated in the rugged Elevenmile Canyon along Colorado’s South Platte River, offers a straightforward yet invigorating trad climb with a memorable crux that challenges the climber’s technique and composure. This single-pitch route extends roughly 80 feet through a mix of grooved cracks and subtle features, tracing a line that demands attention to footwork and gear placement amidst steadily changing terrain. The climb begins in a short, clean groove that eases you into movement before veering left along a series of accessible cracks. As you progress, the line shifts right toward a compact overhung slot, where the defining crux awaits — a brief but tricky sequence demanding confident hand jams and delicate balance.

Colorado’s Elevenmile Canyon is a striking backdrop, its steep walls rising sharply amid pine and scrub, framed by expansive skies and the distant hum of the South Platte River below. The rock’s texture offers just enough friction, with occasional flakes and edges that coax your fingers and toes with subtle tactile feedback. Above the crux, the path smooths out as you pull onto solid jams and follow a series of easier cracks leading directly to bolted belays, providing a safe and satisfying finish.

The route is primarily protected with nuts and cams, rewarding climbers who come prepared with a versatile rack geared for small to medium placements. While the protection is generally solid, some sections require careful placements, testing your gear confidence alongside your climbing skills. Given the route’s uncomplicated approach and moderate height, it suits climbers eager for a focused trad experience without sprawling commitment.

Approach trails to Backstreet Wall are well-marked yet steep in parts, weaving through forested slopes and scrub, offering a brisk 15-minute walk from the main road. Timing your climb in morning to early afternoon hours is recommended to evade strong afternoon sun and enjoy the cooler temperatures that settle in the canyon.

Down the Allie stands as an unpretentious challenge — perfect for those stepping into trad climbing or seeking a crisp route to sharpen crack climbing technique. Although the crux injects a moment of awkward complexity, the climb rewards with steady flow and a reliable finish. Whether you’re camping nearby or making a day trip from Colorado Springs, this route delivers focused terrain and a refreshing slice of Elevenmile’s wild charm.