HomeClimbingGet Crazy With the Cheese Wiz

Get Crazy With the Cheese Wiz

Grand Junction, Colorado United States
undercut
mixed protection
single pitch
crack climbing
face climbing
Grand Mesa
Colorado trad
sport anchors
Length: 45 ft
Type: Trad | Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Get Crazy With the Cheese Wiz
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"This single-pitch climb on Grand Mesa’s Paleosol Wall blends steep undercuts with crack and face moves, offering a mixed trad and sport challenge. Perfect for climbers ready to test gear placement skills alongside technical climbing on a unique Colorado rock face."

Get Crazy With the Cheese Wiz

Get ready to engage with 'Get Crazy With the Cheese Wiz,' a short but intense climb that demands steady hands and eye for subtle protection as it rides the unique Paleosol Wall in Colorado’s Grand Mesa. Right from the start, you face a pronounced undercut—a challenging entrance where the soft rock has eroded, daring you to latch onto generous jugs to haul your body up and settle onto the face. The rock here has character: textured and alive under your fingertips, with a distinctive crack that threads its way upward, thin but confident. As you climb, the route reveals an intricate dance between power and finesse, pushing left and reaching out for solid holds on the face that contrast starkly with the crack’s delicate edges.

This single pitch, at 45 feet, blends trad gear placements with the security of fixed bolts, creating a varied protection style that requires thoughtful gear handling. The quality of holds—big and reliable at first, then transitioning to technical face grips—keeps your attention sharp, especially as you navigate past two bolts near the upper section. It’s a climb that stretches your skills without overwhelming, making it accessible for climbers comfortable with 5.9 terrain but ready for a little variety.

Located within the Land’s End area of Grand Mesa, this route provides more than just climbing—it offers an experience tied tightly to its environment. The wall’s worn surfaces and the sharp contrast between eroded and solid rock evoke a subtle connection to the ancient forces at work here, while the overarching vista of the Grand Junction region lies just beyond, promising a quiet moment to appreciate Colorado’s rugged high country after your send.

When planning your ascent, bring a #0.4 Camalot for the initial tricky moves, a selection of C3 cams to fit the evolving crack widths, and consider a hand-sized piece above the bolts for extra confidence. The bolts provide reassurance where natural protection thins out, creating pockets of security in an otherwise adventure-minded route.

Timing your climb in the morning or late afternoon can improve the experience—Land’s End offers dappled light and cooling shadows that keep the rock comfortable even on warmer days. Footwear with sticky rubber and good edging capability will be invaluable here, especially as you transition from juggy undercut to delicate face holds. Hydrate well before you start, as the approach and climb are exposed enough to sap your energy quickly without shade backing you up.

Though short, this climb demands focused movement and solid gear judgment, rewarding you with a confident send and a fresh perspective on Grand Mesa’s less-traveled lines. It’s a perfect outing when you want to sharpen trad and sport skills without committing a full day, with an approachable challenge that still pushes your abilities along a route with character and charm.

Climber Safety

Watch for loose rock around the undercut section where erosion has softened the Paleosol; place protection carefully to avoid pulling questionable pieces. Be mindful that the wall is exposed, so strong winds can increase difficulty during the climb.

Route Details

TypeTrad | Sport
Pitches1
Length45 feet

Local Tips

Start early or late in the day to avoid heat on the exposed wall.

Bring a range of cams from #0.4 to hand size for varied gear placements.

Use sticky-soled shoes to handle the shift from jugs to delicate face holds.

Hydrate thoroughly before the climb; shade is limited along the approach and route.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:This 5.9 feels true to grade but comes with a short, physical crux at the undercut start, supported by solid gear placements that ease the mental load. The grades feel fair compared to nearby routes in Land's End, making it a reliable step up for climbers balancing trad and sport techniques.

Gear Requirements

A #0.4 Camalot is essential for the opening undercut section. Follow up with C3 cams to manage the crack above, supplemented by an optional hand-sized piece near the bolts to boost protection. Two fixed bolts anchor the upper face, providing security where natural gear becomes sparse.

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Tags

undercut
mixed protection
single pitch
crack climbing
face climbing
Grand Mesa
Colorado trad
sport anchors