"Hot Potato offers 70 feet of engaging, technical climbing on the Middle Ice Caves wall. This sport route challenges leaders with precise footwork and mid-route crimps, rewarding those who thrive on subtle texture and controlled movement."
Hot Potato sits a short distance right of the popular Spuds in Space route, marking a standout climb on the vertical slate of Middle Ice Caves in Rifle Mountain Park. This single-pitch sport route offers 70 feet of climbing that demands steady feet and careful body positioning on a wall that feels alive with tension and subtle texture. The climb starts near the hilltop, immediately drawing you into a rhythm where each move matters. You’ll find yourself negotiating pockets and crimps that challenge not just your strength but your precision, especially about halfway up where the crux section forces a shift into delicate finger placements over small edges.
Despite some polished sections — a natural sign of repeated ascents — the route still retains enough friction to reward methodical footwork. The bolts are spaced to provide confidence while pushing the leader’s skills, and the anchors at the top are a reliable two-bolt setup, allowing for safe top-rope or lowering options. The rock’s character here is rugged but fair, offering solid holds that invite experimentation.
This route is ideal for climbers aiming to refine their 5.9 technique in a manageable length and approachable setting. Beyond the climb itself, the surrounding Ice Cave Walls provide a raw, high-desert backdrop, blending open sky and shadowed alcoves. Approaching Hot Potato means stepping onto a quiet hillside track that teases your focus even before you clip the first bolt.
Prepare for this climb with shoes that enhance sensitivity and grip, as the footholds don’t always announce themselves with obvious texture. Good hydration is essential, especially during warmer months when the sun leans hard on the nearby rock faces. Early morning or late afternoon sessions yield the best temperatures and light for quiet concentration. The Middle Ice Caves area is a gem for climbers who appreciate straightforward sport routes with just enough challenge to engage and grow.
Whether you’re ticking your Rifle Mountain Park projects or making your way through Colorado’s evolving sport scene, Hot Potato offers a blend of approachable difficulty and subtle nuance, a climb that rewards mindfulness as much as muscle.
While well-bolted for protection, sections of Hot Potato are mildly polished and require attentive foot placement. The top anchor is secure, but climbers should avoid rushing the crux to prevent falls on smaller holds. Approach terrain near the hilltop can be uneven—watch your step during the climb-in and descent.
Start early to avoid afternoon sun warming the rock and increasing slipperiness on polished sections.
Wear climbing shoes with sensitive soles to maximize performance on tiny footholds and slabs.
Bring extra water, as the surrounding area offers limited shade and exposure to drying winds.
Top-rope is possible from the reliable anchor; consider this to work moves before leading.
Hot Potato is protected by 8 bolts leading to a solid 2-bolt anchor. Quickdraws to clip every bolt are essential, and a standard sport rack with no extra trad gear is sufficient. The bolt placements encourage precise clipping and allow focus on climbing technique rather than gear fiddling.
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