Fun Climb 101 stands out as one of the South Platte’s finest moderate trad climbs, earning its reputation for solid climbing and genuine adventure at the Top Of The World area. The journey begins with a long but manageable approach, where paddling through the quiet forest along Forest Road 538 sets the tone. Biking to the Slabbo/Boulder Pile parking area shaves off some effort, but the trail from here demands attention. A faint path hugs the north side of the Slabbo’s rocky base, guiding you into an open forest that gradually rises to the saddle between Boulder Pile and Ragnarok. Taking care not to wander into the steeper gullies is key—these are sharp reminders that nature’s challenges come in many forms.

Navigating around the saddle brings you to the SE face of the crag, a wall bearing the marks of past climbers whose faded slings hint at a quieter era of ascents. The burn area leading to the base warns of poison ivy’s persistent warning, reminding climbers to stay vigilant.

The climb itself directs you up a broad corner system to the right side of the alcove. It starts with delicate fingers threading through thin cracks before opening into wider jams that demand your focus and finesse. Midway, a height-dependent traverse introduces a critical move that tests reach and composure—reefing hard on the key hold grants passage back into the corner’s embrace. From here, the pitch cruises upwards to a spacious ledge, navigating past some 5.8 moves that push a step above the initial grade, delivering a bit of spice before cruising to a comfortable belay. Stretching a 60m rope can allow consolidation of what’s traditionally two pitches into one fluid push with a touch of simulclimbing near the ledge.

The next pitch detours left around a boulder, tackling a short but rewarding sequence of powerful hand jams before transitioning into a scramble that seals the summit’s reward: open views and a deep sense of accomplishment. The descent retraces footsteps back through the saddle, though an alternate company-approved path circumvents steep ups and downs by swinging around Boulder Pile through a regenerating burn zone. This route is less straightforward and may irritate skin with thorny new growth, but offers a quieter retreat from the climb’s thrill and effort.

Protection is straightforward but requires care: a full South Platte rack from medium-sized nuts to a #4 Camalot will cover the terrain well. The rock quality drives confident gear placements, though some sections may demand a thoughtful approach to tricky cams or stacked placements.

Fun Climb 101 blends approach wilderness with classic trad movements, rewarding climbers who come prepared with patience and respect for the landscape. This route beckons both those eager to push moderate grades with solid crack skills and adventurers who prize solitude and exploration in equal measure.