First Blood on Yellow Dog Rock offers a straightforward but satisfying sport climb that channels climbers directly upward before easing along the ridge toward the top. Situated within the rugged South Platte corridor in Colorado, this 70-foot route carries a clean 5.8 rating that invites climbers to engage with sustained movement, anchored by seven well-spaced bolts and a secure rap station. The beginning demands focus as it tackles vertical terrain with confident holds, giving way to a right-trending traverse that follows the ridgeline. Here, the rock is solid, fingers and edges balanced between vertical and slightly exposed ledges, offering a tactile connection to the granite surface warmed by the sun. The belay stance sits just below Yellow Dog Rock’s summit, providing a sweeping view of the South Platte’s rocky outcrops and tree-lined valleys below, with the distant hum of high-country winds. Approaching the route requires a short hike through dry, open slopes peppered with low pines, setting the tone for a day of accessible adventure. Climbers should bring shoes suited for smearing as well as edging, and stay mindful of early-season conditions where sudden winds can cool exposed sections. Given the route’s clean bolt line and easy access, it’s a perfect introduction to Yellow Dog’s sport climbs or an efficient warm-up before tackling longer routes nearby. While the grade leans toward the moderate side, its exposed traverse near the ridge fosters awareness, rewarding steady feet and precise clipping technique. Descending is straightforward: a rappel from the anchor or a careful walk-off down to the base. For those seeking a short, direct outing with a touch of ridge scrambling, First Blood merges solid climbing with Colorado’s high-desert charm under clear blue skies.