Hippy School offers an inviting introduction to trad climbing in the rugged golden cliffs of North Table Mountain near Golden, Colorado. This single-pitch, 55-foot route threads its way just left of the well-known Mr. Squirrel Places a Nut, guiding climbers along a clean, left-leaning crack that plays host to solid hand and foot jams. The rock itself carries the seasoned patina of regular traffic, yet retains a raw edge that challenges you to trust your placements and technique. The climb’s 5.9 rating delivers a friendly but engaging test, well-suited for those who appreciate straightforward trad moves with enough subtle complexity to keep attention sharp. Protection opportunities come from natural anchors complemented by the occasional bolted off-line piece, encouraging careful gear selection that balances security and confidence.

The approach to Hippy School is straightforward, walking in through the Overhang Area’s network of trails that curve beneath the cliffs, passing familiar landmarks until the crack system reveals itself with a subtle overhang guarding its start. The location rewards climbers with sweeping views of the surrounding foothills, sun warming the golden sandstone and scrub pine around you. The rock's texture is rough enough to inspire confidence in your jams, especially when paired with solid finger and hand placements.

Seasonally, late spring through early fall offers the best conditions, with morning shade on the north-facing wall easing the heat of midday climbs. As with many climbs on the North Table, early arrival helps avoid crowding, and the exposed nature of the approach calls for sturdy footwear and plenty of water, especially on sunny days. Beginners will find this route an excellent opportunity to practice crack climbing skills without the overwhelming technical complications of longer, multi-pitch routes, while more experienced climbers can enjoy the crispness of the crack’s line and the quality of the rock.

In practice, gear should focus on small to medium cams and nuts, with attention to clean placements as the protection is reliable but requires thoughtful placements around the overhang. This route’s understated beauty lies in its honest moves and the tactile dialogue between climber and rock—a stretch where nature's grit meets human determination. When descending, a single rappel or a careful downclimb returns you to the base, allowing a smooth transition from vertical challenge back to the open trails.

Hippy School stands less as a spectacle and more as a practical, engaging climb that suits a broad range of adventure levels. It encourages you to read the rock, feel the pulse of natural protection, and enjoy the clarity of movement in a setting that’s welcoming yet quietly demanding. This climb is a valuable part of the Golden cliffs ecosystem, offering a solid trad experience framed by the broader wilderness of North Table Mountain, a place where every hold and jam counts and every push upward earns a moment of connection with the landscape.