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Drinking Wine with the Chinese (aka The Jizzler) Trad Climb

Golden, Colorado United States
finger crack
small cams
single pitch
trad
North Table Mountain
crack climb
Length: 60 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Drinking Wine with the Chinese (aka The Jizzler)
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"This single-pitch trad climb on North Table Mountain is a finger jamper’s playground crowned by a small overhang crux. Offering solid protection and a short but spirited challenge, it’s an ideal route to refine crack climbing skills while soaking in Colorado’s open foothill views."

Drinking Wine with the Chinese (aka The Jizzler) Trad Climb

Set against the rugged backdrop of the Table Top Area at North Table Mountain, Drinking Wine with the Chinese, commonly known as The Jizzler, offers a straightforward yet engaging trad climb that demands precision and calm technique. This 60-foot pitch rises through a clear, well-defined crack, starting with a tense move beneath a modest overhang where the route’s crux quietly tests your crack skills. Finger-sized cams are essential here, offering protection in the tight squeeze before the crack broadens and invites wider jams and carefully placed stems. As you ascend, the rock feels alive—each hold and jam responding to your touch with sturdy reliability, while the quiet hum of the mountain’s wind weaves through the stone.

The route’s single pitch ends with a delicate traverse right toward the anchors on the Death of Innocents, blending challenge with a hint of ease. While bolts guard the top, many climbers choose to embrace the trad lineage by relying on well-placed gear instead of clipping the fixed anchors, making the climb a purist’s delight. Situated in Golden, Colorado, this climb offers more than just the physical challenge — the open exposure and sparse foothills offer a breath of fresh air with expansive views that reward steady progression.

Approaching this route is straightforward but calls for attention on the footwork in the narrow crack section, where precision makes all the difference. Bringing a rack focused on finger to small hand cams will cover your needs and let you place protection confidently around the overhang crux. The rock is generally solid, though it carries the textured character typical of North Table’s volcanic formations—grippy but occasionally sharp.

Climbers seeking an accessible yet thoughtful crack climb will appreciate this pitch’s balance: it’s neither a beginner’s stroll nor a technical crusher, but an inviting test of crack technique and mental focus. The moderate 5.9 rating feels fair, with a crux that rewards smooth jamming and wide stemming, reminiscent of nearby classic climbs but with its own gritty personality. As the route winds upward, the morning sun awakens the walls, making early starts ideal to avoid afternoon heat and soften the stone's temperature.

Be ready for a quick descent via rappel or a careful downclimb shared with other routes on Death of Innocents. While the walk-off is manageable, staying alert on loose rock is key.

This climb is a solid pick for climbers aiming to sharpen trad skills in a setting that balances challenge with beauty, offering a glimpse of Colorado’s vibrant rock climbing scene beyond the crowded sport crags. Whether you come for a solo project or a relaxed day out with friends, Drinking Wine with the Chinese delivers both character and pragmatic adventure.

Climber Safety

Watch your foot placements and stay mindful near the overhang crux; the small cams require smart positioning. The descent involves rappel or careful downclimbing where loose rock can pose minor hazards—double-check anchors and gear before descending.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length60 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid afternoon heat and get the best rock temperature for friction.

Focus on precise foot placements in the narrow crack section before the wide jam moves.

Clip the bolts only if necessary; the crack provides excellent natural protection.

Bring a rack heavy on smaller cams to navigate the overhang crux confidently.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:Rated at 5.9, this climb’s grade is honest but with a well-defined crux near the start that tests finger locks and technique. It's not soft for the grade, with the overhang move requiring commitment. Compared to other climbs in the area, it feels approachable yet technical enough to reward solid crack fundamentals.

Gear Requirements

Bring a standard trad rack keyed toward finger-sized cams. Small cams protect the crux at the bottom well, and though there are two bolts at the top, the route lends itself best to traditional gear placements throughout.

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Tags

finger crack
small cams
single pitch
trad
North Table Mountain
crack climb