Frisky Kitty carves a concise, spirited line on the Fume Wall within Durango’s climbing enclave, inviting climbers to test their fitness and technique on bright, rose-tinted stone. Positioned just ten feet to the left of the well-traveled route Nine Lives, Frisky Kitty offers a fresher path up a slightly steeper face that demands precise footwork and body tension. The rock itself presents a smooth yet gritty texture that both challenges and rewards — tactile enough for secure hand placements while fast edges keep momentum exhilarating.

As you start below the first bolt, the route unfurls through five well-spaced, recently installed bolts that guide you toward a shared anchor with Nine Lives. This setup balances safety with adventure, making it a great choice for climbers comfortable on moderate 5.9 sport routes seeking a little extra pump. The pink-hued wall is exposed to the sun for much of the day, so early morning ascents provide a crisp, refreshing environment with better friction.

Approach-wise, the Fume Wall sits on a gentle slope in the Low Angle Wall sector—a short walk from Durango’s center. The path is well-marked and mostly flat, weaving through piñon pines and scrub brush, with views opening onto the San Juan Mountains in the distance. Bringing climbing shoes with moderate stiffness will help on occasional smears, while a chalk bag is essential to manage the steady sweat from the sun’s warming embrace. Don’t forget at least one water bottle; the area can dry out quickly, especially during midday.

For those plotting their sends or sharpening their beta, Frisky Kitty’s bolts are spaced to encourage smooth clipping rhythm but expect the steeper moves below the fifth bolt to test your reach and balance. Fairly direct and straightforward, this climb shines as a sport route for warm-ups or as a focused project on a crisp day.

Beyond the ropes, Durango isn’t just about climbs—local eateries and outdoor shops complement the experience, making it easy to spend a full day blending adventure with town-side comforts. After the climb, a simple downclimb leads back to the trailhead, though caution is advised—the rock can become slick with morning dew or afternoon rain. With only one pitch and less than 50 feet of vertical gain, Frisky Kitty epitomizes the blend of accessible challenge with a burst of movement against charming Colorado backcountry scenery.