"Fleas and Ticks offers a crisp, gritty 5.9 sport climb on Clear Creek Canyon’s Cats vs. Dogs Wall. With technical jugs, a tricky overhang, and optional gear-protected second pitch, it blends straightforward climbing with a touch of challenge in one of Colorado's rugged urban cliffs."
Fleas and Ticks stands out as a sharp, gritty sport climb carved into the Cats vs. Dogs Wall of Clear Creek Canyon near Golden, Colorado. This route invites climbers with a straightforward yet engaging line marked by black bolts and jugs, winding through a narrowing v-shaped notch on the right side of a broad overhang. The climb’s profile hugs a rounded arête, angling gently left as you move upward. The rock here feels alive—rough edges scrabble for your fingertips, and the overhangs daringly demand a confident grip and steady composure.
The pitch covers approximately 85 feet, ending at a comfortable stance below the anchor. Climbers will notice a runout section between the fourth and fifth bolts, though recent improvements have added a bolt to smooth out the protection, easing concerns about spacing. Past the seventh bolt, a playful overhang pokes out, offering a final physical test before the easy couple of clips that lead to the anchor.
For those seeking more from the experience, a second pitch rated around 5.6 snakes up with protected gear placements. This optional extension requires standard cams up to size #4, delivering a fun, well-secured climb that contrasts with the more direct sport line below. When finished, descending is handled cleanly by heading over to the nearby Out of the Blue anchor, ensuring a quick and safe retreat.
The location itself holds character: Clear Creek Canyon’s rugged walls rise sharply with views of the shifting Denver foothills. Despite its proximity to urban bustle, the wall feels remote enough to offer an uninterrupted session where the rock’s texture and your focus are all that matter. Seasonal timing is key here—the southwest-facing cliff catches morning and midday sun, providing warmth in cooler months but a notably hot exposure in the summer afternoons.
Climbers should be prepared with solid sport shoes for grip, chalk for the sticky hold sequences, and a light rack for the optional second pitch. Hydration and timing matter as routes can heat up quickly under the Colorado sun. This is a climb that rewards steady movement and attention to bolt placement, catering well to those building confidence on sport lines with a touch of adventure.
The route’s rough rock and occasional runout sections require careful clipping and attention to footwork. The mussy hook anchor demands a thorough inspection before belaying. Summer days bring significant sun exposure, so plan hydration accordingly and avoid late afternoon climbs when heat can make holds slippery.
Watch for the runout between bolts 4 and 5 — a new bolt was added but stay alert.
Approach early for cooler temperatures; the wall heats up fast under direct sun after midday.
Use sticky sport climbing shoes to tackle the jugs and overhangs with confidence.
For the second pitch, a standard cam rack up to #4 covers all placements safely.
Nine bolts protect the main pitch, spaced to moderate difficulty; an anchor with a mussy hook finishes the climb. For the optional second pitch, bring a full set of cams up to a #4 to cover protected gear placements.
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