"Harvey marks the inaugural bolt on Permission Wall—a crisp, 60-foot sport route with a defining bulge crux below the fifth bolt. Offering accessible yet engaging slab climbing framed by pine-scented air, it serves as a fitting tribute to the playful spirit behind its namesake."
Standing at the base of Permission Wall, Harvey demands your focus with its clean, sport-climbing line. This route, the very first bolted climb on the wall, stretches 60 feet up a slab that gently leans leftward, inviting climbers to navigate the face just beside a distinct small tree. Beneath the fifth bolt, a bulge tests your technique and composure—this is the route’s defining crux where subtle footwork and precise hand placement collide. Harvey’s quality lies in its straightforward yet engaging movements, making it an accessible challenge for those ready to push into the 5.9 grade range.
Climbing Harvey is more than a physical test; it carries a story rooted in the area’s cultural past. The route takes its name from a hidden, 6-foot-3-inch white rabbit—a quiet trickster drawn from Celtic folklore—on which Mary Chase’s famous play and movie, both titled "Harvey," are based. Chase once owned part of the land that is now Staunton State Park, and the nearby routes Elwood P. Dowd and The Pooka share in honoring this legacy. This connection adds a layer of thoughtful intrigue, transforming each pitch into a conversation between the climber, the stone, and the echoes of history.
Located in the South Platte region of Colorado, Harvey sits framed by pine-scented air and the soft sounds of wind threading through needles. The approach is moderate, winding through mixed forest and granite boulders. The rock itself demands attention: solid, textured, with reliable placements for your draws and anchors. Rest assured, the route sports eight well-placed bolts with secure top anchors, providing confidence and safety throughout.
For climbers planning a visit, timing can be key. Permission Wall faces east-southeast, so early mornings offer cool shade before the sun exposes the face to warmer afternoon rays. Fall and late spring create the best window of comfortable temperatures, as summer heat can intensify on the granite slabs. Hydrate well and bring shoes with sticky rubber that complements slab climbing to maintain grip on the smoothish rock.
Staunton State Park itself embraces a rugged charm where adventure feels immediate yet contained within an accessible wilderness. With only one pitch, Harvey is a quick but rich dose of Colorado sport climbing, perfect for those scouting the area or building their lead confidence. After topping out, the descent involves a straightforward walk back to the trailhead through a shifting carpet of pine needles, rounding out the full experience.
Engage with the rock and the enduring story behind this climb—Harvey offers a practical test of movement and strength, with a sense of playful mystery woven through its bolts. Whether you’re chasing your first 5.9 or easing into this style of granite face climbing, it holds a solid place on the map of Colorado sport routes worth your time.
Although the bolts are solid, the bulge area requires paying close attention to foot placement and maintaining control. The rock around the crux is clean but smooth, increasing the chance of slips without sticky shoes and careful sequencing. Approach terrain is rocky and uneven; wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing.
Start early to avoid afternoon sun on the wall.
Bring sticky climbing shoes ideal for slab surfaces.
Hydrate well; water isn’t available near the trailhead.
Check park access regulations, as STAUNTON may have seasonal restrictions.
Eight bolts plus anchors secure this route, requiring a standard sport rack. Clipping is straightforward but keep your draws ready for the bulge crux near the top. The rock offers reliable texture, so focus on precision rather than power.
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