"Hungry Bucket presents 50 feet of steady face climbing accented by a striking arching arete, offering a rewarding 5.9 challenge just outside Ouray, Colorado. This accessible sport route delivers solid protection and scenic views that suit climbers honing their technique on vertical terrain."
Hungry Bucket offers climbers an engaging and accessible test of skill on solid Colorado rock near Ouray. The route presents roughly 50 feet of vertical face climbing, edging toward more challenging moves as you ascend. Its defining feature is an arching arete that projects sharply to the left, creating an exciting line that combines balance and technique. The rock’s texture invites confident footwork, while the angle remains just below vertical, making it approachable for climbers comfortable with 5.9 difficulty. The climb’s setting at Ridgway Dike Wall places you within a rugged high-desert environment, where the sun filters through sparse juniper and scrub, warming the stone and casting long shadows during afternoon. This route’s bolts are generously spaced, with seven along the face leading to a ring bolt and chain anchor at the top, ensuring secure protection and straightforward clipping for sport climbers. The contribution from local climbers Amber and Ron helped establish this route, securing it through a community-driven bolt fund effort, reflecting the cooperative spirit typical of Colorado’s climbing culture. Approach to the wall is relatively short, allowing for a quick warmup before your turn on the rock, while the surrounding landscape offers expansive views of the San Juan Mountains and Ouray valley below. Timing your climb mid-morning or late afternoon can avoid the harsh summer sun and provide the best friction on this slightly polished surface. While the route doesn’t demand intricate gear knowledge, climbers will benefit from careful attention to foot placement, as the holds become more technical above the first third of the climb. This route blends straightforward access with a bit of adventure, fitting for anyone looking to sharpen skills on solid sport climbing terrain in a serene southwestern Colorado setting.
The bolting is reliable, but the rock can feel a bit abrasive on skin during long reaches. Watch for loose debris at the base when approaching, and be cautious of sun exposure during peak daytime.
Approach is under 10 minutes from the parking area; trail is rocky but well-marked.
Mid-morning climbs benefit from shade on the face as the sun rises behind the wall.
Wear shoes with good edging capability due to small footholds on the upper section.
Hydrate well; the dry, high-desert air can quickly sap energy on warmer days.
The climb is protected by 7 bolts spaced along the route, finishing at a ring bolt and chain anchor, which allows for smooth clipping and safe top-outs.
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