Exit Stage Right offers a concise yet engaging sport climb set against the rugged backdrop of Golden Gate Canyon State Park, just outside Golden, Colorado. This 70-foot route presents climbers with a moderate face climb punctuated by well-placed bolts that guide the ascent through varied terrain. Beginning with a smooth progression past two bolts, the climb quickly introduces a reachy third bolt requiring a confident stretch before you pull up onto a large sloping ledge. This ledge provides a moment of respite and a chance to appreciate the surrounding rocky outcrops carved by time.

From here, the route angles into an inviting left-facing corner that trends rightwards, offering a change in movement as you follow its profile upward. The steady rhythm of clipping bolts continues as you approach the seventh bolt, culminating in a careful pull onto a broad sloping shelf. The final moves require a leftward traverse along this shelf to reach the anchor, demanding attention to balance and foot placement as you finish.

The wall’s sun-facing aspect means afternoons bring warmth and dry rock, lending well to late season climbs when high-elevation chill lingers elsewhere. The approach trails are straightforward, passing through open forest patches with pine scent hanging in the crisp mountain air. From the parking area, plan about 15 minutes to the base of the climb—enough time to attune your senses to the crisp Colorado breeze and the solid rock beneath your fingertips.

Protection on Exit Stage Right is firmly bolted, with nine bolts along the route and a two-bolt anchor completing the setup. Be aware that some bolts call for extended reaches; think smooth, controlled motions rather than brute strength. According to local guide Jeremy Broussard, the recommended way down is to use the slightly offset lower anchor on the left, which offers a safer rappel than the main anchor directly above the finish.

Exit Stage Right is a solid choice for climbers looking to sharpen their sport climbing technique while absorbing the character of Golden Gate Canyon’s rocky terrain. The climb’s moderate 5.8 rating is approachable yet engaging, serving as an excellent warm-up or a quick confidence builder on a day of multi-pitch scouting nearby. While not overly committing, the route rewards careful footwork and steady breathing, drawing out a satisfying blend of movement and exposure.

In preparation, opt for comfortable climbing shoes that allow precise toe placements on small ledges and edges. Water and sun protection are recommended during warmer months, as the exposed sections offer little shade until late in the day. Early morning starts can help beat the heat, with spring and fall providing the most comfortable temperatures for this part of the park.

For those planning a visit, be mindful of seasonal conditions—winter snow and ice may linger on approach trails early in the year, while sudden afternoon thunderstorms can emerge in summer. Always check current weather and local climbing reports to ensure a safe, enjoyable outing. Exit Stage Right invites you to engage with its measured challenges and the quiet beauty of Colorado’s foothills, blending practical climbing skills with the invigorating spirit of the outdoors.