"Finally Warm is a crisp two-pitch trad climb on The Wall Ridge offering solid crack climbing and technical arete moves. With a 5.8 pitch leading to a spacious belay and a 5.9 crux pitch through a left roof, this route provides a rewarding blend of technique and exposure in stunning Colorado mountain terrain."
Finally Warm invites climbers into a focused two-pitch adventure that blends straightforward crack climbing with subtle technical sequences across an iconic Colorado ridge. Starting at the base of The Wall, the climb immediately works a natural weakness—a subtle diagonal crack that guides you to a generous ledge. From this solid platform, a careful leftward traverse skirts an arete and connects to a right-facing corner, where the rhythm of the crack opens up and encourages steady movement. The first pitch, rated 5.8 and spanning about 100 feet, strikes a satisfying balance between challenge and flow, rewarded by a spacious belay ledge that breathes life into the ascent.
Pitch two shifts the mood subtly. Moving left through a roof adds a playful physicality, while the following arete climb demands precise edging and finger jams up to a sloping ledge. This 50-foot pitch pushes the grade to 5.9, offering a neat crux that tests technique more than strength. The rock throughout remains solid, with the route's natural features providing both hand and foot placements that feel earned yet accessible.
The Wall ridge offers more than the climb itself; its location above Buena Vista unfolds broad views of surrounding peaks that hold crisp mountain air and a growing warmth by midday—a perfect time to be experiencing "Finally Warm." The approach trail is straightforward, threading through forested lower slopes where the hiss of wind in pine branches sets a calm backdrop. The descent is equally manageable, whether you choose to rappel on fixed anchors or follow the descent gully for a careful walk-off.
Protection is friendly for trad climbers, with a single rack to 4-inch cams and doubles between 0.3 and 2 inches covering placements effectively. The gear finds secure spots within cracks and corners, rewarding smart gear choices without requiring complex or specialized pieces. For anyone planning their climb, starting early to capitalize on cooler morning temperatures is wise. Footwear with good edging and sticky rubber will aid faith on the arete sequences, and bringing extra water is recommended as the ridge can warm quickly with sun exposure.
Finally Warm serves as both a welcoming introduction to trad climbing on The Wall and an engaging challenge for seasoned climbers looking for a brief but enriching outing. Its blend of cracks, corners, and aretes distilled into 150 feet of climbing offers a tangible connection to the Rocky Mountain climbing experience, framed by vast skies and bold vertical lines.
While the fixed rappel anchors provide a dependable descent, ensure all gear placements are well set on the climb as some sections require careful gear judgment. The approach and descent gully can be slippery after rain; take caution during wet conditions.
Aim for an early start to beat the afternoon sun on the ridge.
Wear shoes with sticky rubber for confident edging on the aretes.
Bring extra water, as the alpine air can dry you out quickly.
Use the fixed anchors on rappel or opt for the descent gully for a safer walk-off.
Bring a single rack up to 4 inches, doubling small to medium cams from 0.3" to 2" for reliable placements. Fixed gear on descent anchors makes rappelling straightforward.
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