Half Day's Work lives up to its name as an approachable, efficient alpine trad climb tucked into the rugged folds of Ship's Prow on Long's Peak. It offers climbers a satisfying blend of technical moves, clean lines, and confident rock—all wrapped in a high alpine setting that commands your focus and respect. Though moderate in grade at 5.9-, the route delivers a tangible sense of adventure without the commitment of a full-day grind. The ascent typically finishes in roughly two hours from base to summit, perfect for climbers looking to enjoy solid climbing without sacrificing the rest of the day to a marathon push.

The route begins by angling up a well-defined right-facing corner system to the left of the more crowded Man Overboard and Portal climbs. This first section covers two pitches, which can be stitched into a single, flowing climb with careful rope management and an 80-meter rope. Early on, you’ll encounter a handful of aging pins nestled near a tightening crux before easing onto a grassy ledge that offers welcome respite and a chance to gather yourself. The rock here is generally solid, showcasing weathered granite that holds well underfoot and finger jamming alike, though some protection placements can feel spaced out—demanding thoughtful gear placement and attention.

From this ledge, the route drifts slightly left before veering right on lower-angled slabs that exhibit a mixture of steady technical moves and occasional runouts. This stretch crosses a prominent slab that challenges your balance and footwork, finishing at a large ledge secured by an old-school pin belay left over from a 1960s aid ascent. Despite the historic hardware, this pitch is easily backed up with modern cams.

The next pitch keeps your interest high, moving left from the belay onto rugged, unyielding rock. The right-facing corner here is overhung and littered with loose rock, so opting to climb left and then back right near the buttress’s peak offers a cleaner but more technical line. At the chimney section, you’ll need to choose between a moderate but poorly protected chimney on the right, or the more technical corner on the left, each demanding a different style but leading upward to the summit in a sustained push of over 60 meters. At the top, safe belay anchors require some effort to assemble, often involving threading a cord around large boulders that promise solid protection but reward patience and care.

Gear-wise, this climb favors a light alpine rack: a full set of stoppers, cams up to three inches, and plenty of long slings to tackle the elongated pitches and retrofit older pins. Extra cams in the finger to hand size range come highly recommended, especially if you plan to link pitches for speed or efficiency.

The climb belongs to a dramatic and historically significant section of Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine terrain, granting breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The granite’s clean surface and the moderate grade provide an excellent playground for those seeking a fast yet fulfilling alpine trad experience. Seasonal timing is crucial here: summer afternoons bring warmth and steady weather, but mornings are often your best bet to avoid heat and maximize rock quality.

The descent typically involves a careful downclimb combined with strategic rappels. Plan accordingly, as the terrain below can be steep and uneven, demanding vigilance to avoid loose rock and tricky footing. Bringing a topo or consulting local beta is wise.

Half Day’s Work rewards climbers who come prepared—both with the right gear and the mental focus to navigate a well-appointed yet occasionally sparse protection route. It stands as a worthy climb for those looking to move efficiently through impressive alpine terrain while testing their trad skills in a varied and engaging setting.