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Fashionista: A Compact Sport and Aid Route in Colorado’s Redstone Area

Carbondale, Colorado United States
aid climbing
sport climbing
loose rock
moderate difficulty
short pitches
Length: 100 ft
Type: Sport, Aid
Stars
Pitches
2
Location
Fashionista
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Fashionista builds on the established Style Man route with two short but engaging pitches blending sport and aid climbing. It offers a compact adventure with solid anchors, technical aid moves, and a loose rock ledge finale—all within the approachable Redstone climbing area."

Fashionista: A Compact Sport and Aid Route in Colorado’s Redstone Area

Fashionista extends the climbing experience beyond the familiar by adding two engaging pitches atop the established By a Thread/Style Man climbs. This route, set on the Friends and Family Wall in the Redstein sector near Carbondale, offers a blend of sport and aid climbing that challenges both technique and composure. The first pitch is a concise but rewarding move directly above the Style Man anchor, leading climbers to fixed rappelling anchors perched on a broad ledge. This segment moves swiftly, a warm-up of sorts, before the more adventurous second pitch begins.

Pitch two veers left from the ledge, opening with an aid section that pushes climbers past two bolts using an aider and slings. These short aid moves, while bridging moderate sport difficulty, feel distinct—more technical and less fluid than the previous climb segments. Following the aid sequence, the route climbs the left-facing corner above, demanding attention and steady footing as the rock occasionally loosens. The pitch concludes with a rightward exit onto a large ledge, housing reliable rap anchors but scattered with loose debris, requiring cautious maneuvering.

The vertical gain totals about 100 feet, making this a compact yet adventure-packed addition to the familiar Redstone landscape. The rock here is classic Colorado sandstone, rugged and often spattered with sunlight, creating a luminous playground for climbers seeking variety beyond single-pitch sport climbs. Expect a quiet wall where the wind carries the faint echoes of the valley below and the occasional call of a hawk circling overhead. The Friends and Family Wall isn’t crowded, providing space to focus and savor each move.

Navigating Fashionista asks climbers to carry around eight quickdraws for the sport sections, plus a single aider and a couple of slings to handle the aid segment smoothly. Sharing gear between lead and second climber is common here, especially on the aid pitch, promoting teamwork and careful planning. Given the loose rock near the summit ledge, helmets are a must, and diligence with foot placements is critical.

Carbondale stands as the ideal base camp for this outing, positioned under an hour away and offering ample access to supplies and rescue services. The approach is moderate, threading through open forest and rocky outcrops—estimate around 20 minutes from the trailhead to the base of the wall. Morning light strikes the route pleasantly, with partial shade cushioning the early hours, while afternoons warm the sandstone, softening friction for climbing.

While Fashionista carries a moderate difficulty rating of 5.9 C0, the aid section spices things up, presenting unique challenges not found on pure sport climbs nearby. Climbers comfortable with bolted walls who want to test their skills on technical aid and trad-style placements will find this route a refreshing venture. It strikes a balanced rhythm between adrenaline and thoughtful progression, carving out a niche for those eager to explore slightly off the beaten path in Redstone.

Climber Safety

Exercise caution around the large ledge on pitch two; loose rock is common and increases the risk of rockfall. Helmets and cautious footing are essential here.

Route Details

TypeSport, Aid
Pitches2
Length100 feet

Local Tips

Wear a helmet due to loose rock on the upper ledge.

Share aid gear with your partner to reduce weight and improve efficiency.

Start the climb in the morning when the wall is partially shaded and the rock is cooler.

Approach takes about 20 minutes via rocky trail with light forest cover—stick to established paths to minimize impact.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9 C0
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating feels approachable for climbers with some sport experience but the addition of a C0 aid section elevates the challenge, requiring familiarity with basic aid techniques. Compared to other Redstone sport routes, Fashionista demands a bit more commitment due to gear management and route finding on the second pitch.

Gear Requirements

Pack around eight quickdraws for all bolt protection, plus one aider and a few slings specifically for the aid sequence on pitch two.

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Tags

aid climbing
sport climbing
loose rock
moderate difficulty
short pitches