Carving a demanding line through the rugged cliffs of Black Canyon's South Rim, Ground Control to Major Tom offers experienced trad climbers a lengthy and committed adventure across some of Gunnison’s most unforgiving terrain. With ten pitches stretching over 1,300 feet, this route challenges you with serious climbing, sparse protection in key sections, and intricate route-finding that demands full attention. Rock quality varies but remains generally solid, framed by expansive views of the North Chasm View Wall that reward every step upward.

Access begins with a descent down the Chillum Stone gully, followed by a steep rappel off a 140-foot drop. Arriving at the base, your journey starts with a distinct right-leaning crack, guarded by a large Ponderosa pine perched high above the initial sections. The first pitches unfold into a mix of crack systems and overlaps, punctuated by grassy ledges that serve as natural rests and awkward belay stations. Expect some strenuous moves on 5.7 terrain here, with protection opportunities limited but manageable for a well-prepared rack.

Progressing through pitch three, you'll encounter a run-out slab traverse where gear placements are rare, demanding calm nerve and confident friction moves just before reaching safer ground. The route snakes through various corner systems with undercling and layback techniques, some pitches feeling more strenuous than their grades suggest, especially under the R rating which places added seriousness on falls.

Mid-route, a standout pegmatite slab offers an airy, run-out bouldering test—bold and precise, it demands delicate footwork and focused route reading to navigate the single old bolt with large runouts on both sides. Climbers here experience a palpable tension between movement and margin, creating an exhilarating sense of exposure. Near the large leaning Ponderosa tree, rope drag can become a concern as the line traverses and corners, requiring tactile rope management.

The upper pitches bring further commitment with a 5.8 headwall hand crack and a demanding thin hands splitter finishing move that might be the hardest on the route, pushing into 5.9 territory with reliable pro. The final shoulder leads to the canyon rim where the descent begins, involving some fourth-class downclimbing, ridge traversing, and bushwhacking that keeps the climb extended and interesting until you reconnect with the road.

Prepare for a serious day in the canyon: sturdy trad gear including a full range of cams and wires up to 3.5 inches is essential. Rope management, careful route-finding, and a readiness for run-outs mark this line as a test of both skill and mental stamina. The isolated setting and steep walls mean that emergencies require self-reliance and planning, but the payoff is an unforgettable experience in one of Colorado’s most iconic climbing landscapes.