"Incline Ledge carves out a demanding, one-pitch trad climb on the Red Spire of Twin Spires. Loose rock and sparse protection call for steady focus, making it a compelling option for climbers looking to push beyond Potholes in the Garden of the Gods."
Incline Ledge offers a raw and unpolished slice of the Garden of the Gods climbing scene, perched on the Red Spire of the Twin Spires. For climbers who’ve cruised Potholes and crave something a little less defined—more demanding in its subtle menace—this single-pitch trad route demands respect. Its loose, sandy holds plead caution as you navigate a shallow, right-angling dihedral that leans left. Here, flakes and jams become your allies, but only if you move deliberately, balancing weight carefully to avoid dislodging fragile rock. The dihedral’s top reveals a sparse pin—proof that protection is sparse and trust in your gear and instincts must be absolute. A brief move left toward another pin leads to a bulge, the line’s crux, where precise footwork and steady hands clinch your way upward.
The route ends by trending right, linking with Potholes' finishing features, and demands a 60-foot rappel back down. Incline Ledge isn’t about polished holds or casual ascents; it’s for the climber ready to embrace rough edges and lean into a no-fall mindset. Beyond the climb itself, the views over Colorado Springs’ rugged landscape offer perspective—this is where adventure meets calculated risk. Arrive prepared with a light rack of cams, a sharp eye for protection placements, and the patience to move with intent. The approach is short but the effort of staying balanced on sandy edges will test your finesse and resolve. Incline Ledge unfolds as a gritty challenge within a stunning outdoor playground—a quick but memorable excursion for those seeking an obscure, less-traveled line.
Loose rock and fragile holds mean every move requires deliberate testing before weight commitment. Protection is limited to a couple of drilled pins and a handful of cams, so avoid falls and be prepared to trust small gear placements. Inspect your rappel anchor thoroughly before descending to ensure safety.
Scout the fragile holds carefully before weighting them.
Wear shoes with precise edging since footholds are small and sandy.
Start early to avoid afternoon sun on exposed sections of the climb.
Rappel anchors require inspection—double-check your setup before descent.
Bring a light trad rack with a few cams sized for small to medium cracks, plus confidence in clipped pins since fixed gear is minimal. A no-fall attitude is essential—expect sandy, fragile rock and limited solid placements.
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