Jump Start carves a distinctive path on Turkey Rock’s southern face, inviting climbers into a straightforward yet engaging crack climb that tests your hand jam technique and offwidth skills. Approaching the wall, you’ll feel the dry Colorado air and hear the occasional rustle of wind through the sparse pines dotting the rugged landscape. The route’s defining feature is a slightly J-shaped crack that draws you upward, starting with a prominent flake just left of the "Vanishing Point" climb. This flake is more than just a hold—it demands a careful mix of hand jams, underclings, and laybacks to make steady progress. As you ascend, your fingers will find rhythm in the crack’s contours, enjoying the reassuring grip of solid rock under your palms.

The climb stretches 60 feet over a single pitch, making it a rewarding warm-up or a satisfying standalone route for those comfortable with traditional protection. About two-thirds of the way up, the crack broadens into an offwidth section where your trusty #5 Camalot comes into play. The placement here requires a bit of finesse—pushing the cam higher into the crack until it locks confidently, ready to catch any fall. The rock quality remains consistent, offering enough friction to feel secure but challenging enough to keep your attention locked on technique.

Protection is straightforward: bring a standard rack augmented by larger cams up to #5 Camalot to cover the wide section near the top. Fixed hardware includes a bolt and chain anchor shared with "Vanishing Point," providing a solid and familiar rappel point. It’s essential to note that while Jump Start is rated 5.9, the offwidth crux can elevate the challenge, especially for those less familiar with wider crack climbing. Overall, the grade feels fairly accurate; not a soft sell, but approachable for skilled trad climbers wanting to sharpen their cracks skills in the foothills of the Rockies.

Turkey Rock is part of the South Platte climbing collection, sitting just outside Denver, Colorado. The setting offers easy access with a short approach marked by rocky, uneven terrain and light forest cover. Expect about 10-15 minutes on foot from the parking area to the base of the route. Weather in the area swings quickly, so plan climbs in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and the rock is dry. Mornings offer cooler conditions, with afternoon sun warming the walls but making some sections slick with sweat or dust.

As you gear up, pay close attention to your footwear—sticky rubber shoes will help on the flake and crack edges, while a well-chalked hand will maintain grip and keep you confident. Since the climb ascends a relatively exposed buttress, be mindful of sudden gusts and changing weather that could affect both approach and descent. After topping out, rappel with care using the fixed anchors, double-checking all gear before the descent.

Jump Start is a solid choice for climbers looking to combine technical offwidth crack work with accessible Colorado outdoor climbing. It rewards focused effort and offers enough variety in crack shape and protection placements to keep the experience engaging. Whether you’re preparing for more sustained routes or just want a taste of classic South Platte trad, this route offers straightforward adventure with a practical edge.