HomeClimbingElectric Swimming Pool

Electric Swimming Pool

Colorado Springs, Colorado United States
5.9
sport climbing
handless moves
fragile holds
desert climbing
single pitch
Red Rock Canyon
Length: 85 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Electric Swimming Pool
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Electric Swimming Pool offers a straightforward 5.9 sport climb with an unusual handless section mid-route. Its rugged newness and breakable holds challenge climbers to stay sharp and balanced on an engaging single pitch in Red Rock Canyon Open Space."

Electric Swimming Pool

Electric Swimming Pool on Sayers' Wall is a concise yet engaging sport climb that invites adventurers to test their grace on a modest vertical face in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, just outside Colorado Springs. The route stretches 85 feet over a single pitch, delivering an unpretentious challenge that skews toward steady technique rather than explosive moves. Around the midpoint, roughly 45 to 50 feet up, climbers encounter a distinctive section that demands a moment of handless balance, where core strength and foot precision take over. The rock holds here can be unpredictable—some grips have seen better days and may fail without warning, adding a subtle mental edge to this otherwise straightforward ascent. Despite its youth and less refined cleaning, the climb rewards those willing to engage its rugged personality with solid movement and focus.

The climb’s protection is straightforward yet reassuring: five bolts lead the way to a two-bolt anchor, providing a secure safety net while encouraging climbers to commit wholeheartedly. The face itself—a part of Red Rock Canyon Open Space, a rugged landscape defined by dramatic sandstone formations—brooks no shortcuts, channeling a raw interaction between climber and stone. The modest length and rating of 5.9 make Electric Swimming Pool accessible to intermediate climbers seeking to sharpen their sport climbing skills in an environment where natural wear and looseness offer a lesson in attentive movement.

The approach to this climb is direct, with trail conditions typical of Red Rock Canyon’s well-worn tracks, making for an easy navigation through the desert scrub and juniper-dotted terrain. Mornings or afternoons with cooler temperatures balance sun exposure on Sayers' Wall, which faces generally east to northeast, offering favorable conditions outside the heat of summer’s peak. Planning an early climb ensures both shade and steady grip temperatures, essential for maintaining confidence on the fragile holds scattered along the route.

Being a newer route means Electric Swimming Pool hasn't seen the extensive polish many classic Red Rock lines benefit from; this can add an element of adventure as climbers manage loose rock and broken holds with careful footwork and controlled movements. Bringing shoes with good edging capacity and maintaining focus on clean foot placements is critical to a smooth ascent. Hydration and sun protection are musts here, along with a readiness for the desert's shifting weather and the mental readiness to trust the rock, even when it feels less than perfectly solid.

Overall, Electric Swimming Pool offers a practical, immersive slice of Red Rock climbing: approachable enough for those stepping up to 5.9, but textured by the real-world quirks of new rock and desert conditions. This route sharpens climbers’ instincts and balance, promising a gritty, grounded climb framed by Colorado’s sweeping horizons.

Climber Safety

The rock’s newness means some handholds can break unexpectedly, especially near the handless section mid-route. Climbers should remain cautious, test holds before committing fully, and avoid relying on loose rock for balance or protection.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length85 feet

Local Tips

Wear shoes with strong edging to maximize footing on fragile rock.

Start early to avoid midday sun; east-facing wall benefits from morning shade.

Stay mindful of loose holds, especially around the mid-route handless section.

Bring ample water and sun protection for the desert environment.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating on Electric Swimming Pool feels true to grade but leans into technical balance over brute strength. The unique handless segment elevates the difficulty by demanding core engagement and precise footwork. Compared to other local Red Rock climbs at this grade, it offers a less polished but more tactile experience, testing control rather than pure reach or power.

Gear Requirements

The route is protected by five bolts leading to a two-bolt anchor. Given the fragility of some holds, climbers should rely on solid bolt placements and stay aware of breaking handholds.

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Tags

5.9
sport climbing
handless moves
fragile holds
desert climbing
single pitch
Red Rock Canyon