"Hummingbird Way offers a focused two-pitch trad experience on raw South Platte granite. Its sustained hand and fist cracks, an airy traverse, and a challenging offwidth make this route a practical yet thrilling climb for trad enthusiasts eager to test their technique and endurance."
Hummingbird Way, also known as Snively’s Crack, stands firm on the left edge of Turkey Tail in the South Platte area of Colorado, inviting climbers into a raw, hands-on granite experience. This route occupies a distinct alcove opposite to Turkey’s Delight, offering two pitches of focused crack climbing that test both technique and endurance amid unwavering granite forms. The first pitch demands steady commitment on a hand and fist crack winding upward through a full dihedral. The crack’s texture is rough yet reliable, giving your hands purchase as you ascend into higher exposure. After topping the dihedral, the route veers into a surprisingly airy traverse moving right, leading climbers to a spacious belay ledge that offers a solid moment to steady your nerves and soak in the classic South Platte surroundings.
The second pitch quickly shifts to a more complex sequence. Starting with solid jugs over a roof, it then requires a precise, slightly awkward move to reach a low fifth-class ramp. From here, the climb challenges you with a flaring offwidth, reminding climbers that crack size and body positioning often define the line between flow and struggle. Protection here favors your larger cams, with a #4 Camalot fitting snugly and a #5 offering comforting security for the wider sections. The offwidth’s feel nods to the famous Vedauwoo style—brutal but rewarding—demanding patience and technique rather than brute force.
This climb’s appeal lies not only in its physicality but also its setting—South Platte’s granite, known for its coarse texture and solid reliability, feels tactile underfoot and hand. The exposure on the traverse and length of the pitches combine to deliver a spirited day outdoors that strikes a balance between adventure and attainable challenge.
Though the route lacks immense length, the quality and style make each move count. Preparation is key: bring a well-rounded trad rack emphasizing cams up to a #5 Camalot and prepare for both crack climbing and occasional face moves during transitions. Start early to avoid afternoon sun, as South Platte granite heats up quickly, and always carry plenty of water; the approach involves some scrubby, open terrain that offers little shade.
Whether you’re here for a solid 5.9 test-piece or hunting to refine your crack technique at a moderate grade, Hummingbird Way delivers. Its low star rating hides a route that rewards focused attention and steady progress. Expect a few sections to push your comfort zone but know you’re climbing in a historic region where rock and adventure meet in gritty harmony.
Be cautious on the airy traverse after the first pitch; falls can be serious due to exposure. Ensure secure placements on the roof and offwidth sections, as some moves require precise footwork and balance to avoid swinging falls.
Start early to avoid hot afternoon sun on exposed granite.
Carry plenty of water; the approach is open with limited shade.
Practice offwidth techniques before attempting the second pitch.
Set up belays carefully on the ledge to maintain rope management during the airy traverse.
Bring a standard trad rack up to #4 Camalot, with optional extras including a #2 and a #5 Camalot for wider offwidth sections. Expect to place protection frequently on the crack but be ready for some tricky placements on the traverse.
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