HomeClimbingFloppy Boot Stamp

Floppy Boot Stamp: A Classic Trad Challenge in Clear Creek Canyon

Golden, Colorado United States
finger crack
exposed headwall
loose rock
two-pitch
Clear Creek
Length: 195 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
2
Location
Floppy Boot Stamp
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Floppy Boot Stamp offers a solid two-pitch trad climb on Clear Creek Canyon’s Rebel Wall. With moderate cracks and an exposed upper headwall, it balances accessible climbing with enough adventure to keep leaders engaged and alert."

Floppy Boot Stamp: A Classic Trad Challenge in Clear Creek Canyon

Floppy Boot Stamp cuts through Rebel Wall’s rugged granite faces in Clear Creek Canyon, offering a rewarding two-pitch trad climb that blends straightforward crack work with a touch of exposed adventure. Located just outside the bustle of Golden, Colorado, this route attracts climbers who want a taste of traditional climbing with manageable challenges and genuine character. Right from the base, you move into a tight 15-foot crack that tests finger strength and balance, before traversing delicately right onto a slim ledge. The rock feels alive here—the crack flexes under your hold and the ledge hums with the faint rustle of wind, a reminder you’re not far from the edge.

Pitch one culminates at a two-bolt anchor after gaining 55 feet of vertical gain. From this midpoint, the second pitch begins by threading through a narrow slot before angling left to bypass a suspicious loose block. This section demands both focus and cautious foot placement as the granite shifts subtly beneath you. The upper headwall is the climb’s core. Hand and finger cracks invite steady upward movement, but the exposure rises sharply here. Loose blocks abut your line, and one particularly precarious block at the top obliges a careful dance—no reckless moves here. The pitch finishes after a committed 140 feet of climbing, pushing the trad leader to manage both physical and mental aspects with the attention they deserve.

Approaching Floppy Boot Stamp is a straightforward affair. The access trail cuts through forested slopes before opening in splashes of sun-dappled rock walls. It’ll take about 20 minutes with light gear on your back, steadily climbing through well-worn paths. The route’s moderate length makes it a perfect half-day outing, ideal for those who want an engaging challenge without committing to a multi-pitch endurance test. The descent involves a brief walk—about 100 feet west—to the anchors atop nearby Epidote, easing the return and allowing for relaxed post-climb reflections.

Gear-wise, a standard rack covers what you need here. The cracks vary slightly in size, but finger to hand-sized protection fits comfortably. However, keep your placements secure and don’t rush—some loose blocks off the line add an element of caution. These small details define the route’s character, where nature asserts its rugged edge alongside controllable safety. The route's rating of 5.8- is on the softer side of moderate, but its exposed headwall and loose rock introduce moments that elevate the challenge beyond textbook difficulty.

Floppy Boot Stamp shines in cooler months or early mornings when the sun’s angle softens the heat on the rock, keeping it grippy and pleasant. The west-facing wall picks up good afternoon light, but summer climbs may mean dealing with warmth and more active rockfall risk. Bring plenty of water, solid shoes with sticky rubber, and a helmet — the loose blocks aren’t just a myth. This climb rewards focus and respect for the rock, making it a memorable entry point into Clear Creek’s trad experience.

Climber Safety

Loose blocks near the top of pitch two are a genuine hazard. Test all holds and pro placements before committing, and always wear a helmet to protect against potential rockfall triggered by yourself or others above.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches2
Length195 feet

Local Tips

Approach via the established trail, expect a 20-minute hike with gradual uphill through forest.

Watch out for loose blocks especially near the top of pitch two; test placements carefully.

Plan your climb for mornings or cooler seasons to avoid heated rock and increased rockfall risk.

Descend by walking 100 feet west to the anchors on Epidote for an easy exit.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8-
Quality
Consensus:Though the route’s 5.8- grade suggests a moderate challenge, the exposed upper headwall and the presence of loose blocks add a layer of complexity that requires composure and careful gear placement. Climbers may find this grade feels a bit stiff, especially if managing exposure is new to them. Compared to other Clear Creek moderate trad routes, Floppy Boot Stamp demands focused attention during the upper pitch.

Gear Requirements

Bring a standard trad rack focused on finger to hand-sized cams. Helmet highly recommended due to loose blocks near the upper headwall. Two-bolt anchors mark the belay stations.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Floppy Boot Stamp and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

finger crack
exposed headwall
loose rock
two-pitch
Clear Creek