"Hall Pass combines technical off-width challenges with secure hands jams on a brief, approachable trad pitch at Devil’s Head. A perfect climb for honing crack skills with reliable protection and a smooth exit."
Hall Pass delivers a concise yet rewarding taste of traditional climbing in the heart of Colorado’s famed Devil’s Head area. This single-pitch route, stretching just 25 feet, offers a focused burst of technical climbing that invites both newcomers to trad and seasoned climbers seeking a quick challenge with a satisfying finish. The climb begins with a deliberate sequence of descent hands, steadily forcing you into a controlled, balanced rhythm. As you move upward, a short but steep off-width section demands commitment, gripping you with its raw, physical character before opening into solid hand jams that feel confident and secure. The rock, coarse and reliable, offers excellent friction, allowing for precise placements and solid holds.
The Hallway itself—a rugged corridor carved into the South Platte’s volcanic stone—frames the route with a rugged personality, where sunlight filters harshly through narrow apertures, illuminating the gritty texture of the rock. The air carries the sharp scent of pine and dust, while distant outcrops echo faint murmurs of wind. Anchors are abundant along the crack system near the top, providing plenty of options to set up a solid belay. When it’s time to descend, climbers can take advantage of a straightforward downclimb off the back, slipping carefully into an adjacent corridor to retrieve gear without the hassle of rappelling.
Protection on this climb is straightforward but specific: hand to large hand-sized cams cover the bulk of the crack, while a bulky BD C4 #5 cam can be especially helpful in the wider off-width section. The quality of placements is generally good, but careful sizing ensures security and smooth clipping. The rock is dry and stable year-round, though spring and fall offer the best conditions when temperatures balance cool rock with manageable warmth.
Approaching the route is an adventure itself. The trail to The Hallway cuts through forested slopes steeled with pine and spruce, hiking steadily for about 20 minutes from the nearest parking area. The terrain is rugged but maintained, with clear markers guiding you to the base. GPS coordinates place you firmly in the heart of Colorado’s climbing country, roughly 39.2569 latitude and -105.0989 longitude. The area’s elevation means being prepared for sudden weather changes is critical; layering your gear and packing plenty of water will keep you comfortable and ready to climb.
For those new to off-widths or transitioning into more traditional styles, Hall Pass is a perfect primer with its clear moves and anchored protection. It demands respect—particularly in the off-width section—but rewards steady technique with a sense of mastery and easy escape routes. It’s a climb that asks you to tune in to your gear, your body, and the rock beneath, forging a straightforward connection that’s satisfying and practical.
Whether you’re stopping by for a short day of climbing or integrating Hall Pass into a longer outing in Devil’s Head, this route holds steady as a reliable classic. It invites you to test your skills with focused intensity before the wide-open landscapes and panoramic views of Colorado’s South Platte wilderness unfold around you.
Take care on the off-width section where gear placements require attention; improper sizing can lead to insecure protection. The downclimb off the back is straightforward but rocky—descend slowly and avoid loose scree.
Plan your gear around hand to large hand cams; a #5 cam is essential for the off-width.
Approach takes about 20 minutes on a clearly marked trail through mixed pine forest.
Carry sufficient water—shade is limited on the route, and high altitude can cause quicker dehydration.
Plan to climb during spring or fall for cooler temperatures and optimal friction.
Hand to large hand-sized cams cover the protection well, with a BD C4 #5 cam recommended for the wider off-width section to ensure solid placements.
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