Fat Lip presents a spirited adventure through a sequence of hand cracks and roofs on the northwest face of The Dome, just south of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This 400-foot, four-pitch trad climb offers a textured experience as you navigate moss-lined cracks and compelling features that challenge both technique and composure.

Starting atop the large boulders that mark the route’s base, the climb launches immediately into a wide, distinctive hand crack positioned above a right-facing corner. The first pitch demands focus and body tension as you move through bulging hand and fist jams, occasionally negotiating mossy face holds that add a subtle, slick texture—not enough to deter, but just enough to keep you engaged. A solid stance below the next roof offers a brief moment to catch your breath before committing upward. Rated 5.9, this section strikes a balance between technical crack climbing and careful footwork.

Pitch two extends the challenge as you thread through two roofs, negotiating the shifting angles of the crack while maintaining body control. After overcoming these overhangs, a leftward traverse leads to a small ledge anchored by four scrappy trees, the only natural break on this pitch. The route’s character here is defined by continuous crack climbing, forcing sustained jammed locks that demand steady technique and patience.

On the third pitch, the crack converges with The Dome’s northwest face, where you tackle a left-sloping dihedral using undercling grips followed by a ramping traverse to the right toward another inviting ledge. This pitch is a local classic—solid 5.9 climbing with a pleasing flow that allows a moment to appreciate the rugged rock texture and sparse alpine vegetation clinging to cracks. The feeling of moving over exposed granite, punctuated by the occasional call of mountain birds, reminds you that you’re deep in a raw outdoor setting.

The final pitch scales clean finger and hand cracks rated 5.6, providing a less strenuous conclusion as you gain the summit. This finishing section encourages a comfortable pace to savor the views over Sarvis Creek Domes and back towards Steamboat Springs.

Protection-wise, a standard rack up to 4 inches covers the gear requirements for Fat Lip. The placements tend to be straightforward, but some sections require careful judgment to find secure anchors amidst the moss. The route’s length and pitch distribution make it ideal for climbers seeking multi-pitch tradition routes that are adventurous yet approachable.

Access to The Dome is a manageable hike from the trailhead near Sarvis Creek, with terrain that rolls through open forest patches and scattered rock outcrops. Expect about a 20-30 minute approach across well-marked trails that wind gently uphill, providing a warm-up before the climbing begins. The face generally receives morning sun, so an early start is advantageous, especially in warmer months.

Descending typically involves a walk-off or short downclimb from the summit, with clear paths leading back to the trailhead. Due to moss and occasional loose rock at the base, careful footing remains important during descent.

Fat Lip offers a rewarding route for climbers looking to engage steady crack skills on solid granite within a scenic Colorado climbing area. Its combination of flowing pitches and varied crack styles makes for an exciting day, inviting both technique refinement and appreciation of the mountain’s quiet presence.