Just Putin Around offers a compelling blend of adventurous route-finding and classic 5.9 trad climbing set in The Bihedral Area of Boulder Canyon, Colorado. This micro-adventure demands a steady head and a willingness to engage with textured, imperfect rock that challenges without glamorizing. Picture moving through rough and varied terrain across four pitches, each presenting a distinct set of moves and protection puzzles. From the initial pitch, where you can link to established climbs Sea Breeze, The Minstrel, or Au Natural, the route quickly establishes its tone — a line pieced together for those who enjoy climbing outside the polished grade boundaries.

The climb’s character is defined by rocky features that test your gear placements and balance as much as your technique. Pitch two pushes you right across a bulge that can be guarded with small cams amid loose flakes that dare a misstep. Strategic rope management here is critical, since a lone dead tree stump near the pitch edge threatens drag and potential rope snagging. As the terrain eases briefly, boldness doesn’t take a break; you’ll angle left towards a belay anchored beneath a formation that looks like jagged buck teeth, a visual hint to proceed with care.

Advancing to pitch three, you sidestep a tempting but thin wire crack known locally with humor, instead threading a groove just left that climbs harder than its 5.5 rating suggests. The crack leads into a left-facing dihedral with a crux move that demands precision and commitment — the rock’s living edge feels alive under your hands, tuning the senses into the climb’s raw essence. This move signals a shift from straightforward climbing to a more involved, face-and-crack hybrid style requiring steady footwork and confident placements.

The fourth pitch showcases route-choice drama. The direct path above the belay features a precarious block dubbed the "Obama option," whose unstable presence demands caution, pushing climbers toward a rightward traverse called the "Putin option." This right lean leads to a bulging obstacle where protection with a #4 Camalot shines, yet you must maintain control to avoid a fall onto a ledge below. Beyond the physical moves, this stage reinforces the climb’s theme—environmental risk balanced with well-placed gear and tactical movement.

The final pitch veers slightly left, heading up an inviting dihedral peppered with loose blocks. One notable challenge is a hanging rock formation nicknamed "Crimea" that resists easy bypassing and requires delicate handling to prevent dislodgment. Finishing this pitch demands care and focus but rewards with a satisfying sense of accomplishment. From here, the descent is a straightforward walk-off along the right flank of The Bihedral, a welcomed relief after the technical demands overhead.

Overall, Just Putin Around is not for those seeking polished bolt-to-bolt sport routes. Instead, it’s for the climber who embraces the unpredictable, enjoys gear placements that challenge judgment, and seeks an authentic Colorado granite experience that mixes playful hazard with genuine reward. Planning for the climb should include packing a diverse trad rack, bringing long slings to reduce drag, and anticipating varied rock quality. The route’s lower traffic and under-the-radar vibe add an element of solitude and discovery, perfect for climbers who want their adventure tinged with a bit of wildness.

Gear up mentally for decisions at every bend and know that your focus on rock quality, rope management, and placing protection will be your best companion. Boulder’s crisp mountain air, shifting shadows, and the crunch of granite underfoot provide a landscape alive with character that moves with you — ready to be respected and explored.