"KeeMoSabe on Scout Rock is a 70-foot sport climb that basks in afternoon sun and delivers a crisp, focused challenge. It’s perfect for warming up before harder routes, with a technical crux near the top that rewards reach and balance."
Perched on the sunlit west face of Scout Rock, KeeMoSabe offers a concise yet rewarding sport climb that serves as an ideal warm-up before tackling the more challenging routes looming nearby. This 70-foot single-pitch climb invites you to lean into the rhythm of the rock, feeling the rough texture beneath your fingers as it sheds occasional flakes of loose debris, a reminder that Scout Rock is alive and shifting. The approach to KeeMoSabe is straightforward, guiding you through a sparse forest that gives way to clear views of the South Fork of St. Vrain Canyon, where the river below pushes steadily against the canyon’s walls.
As you ascend, the route’s character comes alive in the steady progression between bolts, culminating in a distinctive crux near the top. This sequence demands precise footwork and a confident reach, especially if you find yourself on the shorter side—the thinner moves between bolts three and four slip in just beyond easy stretch, encouraging climbers to lean right and find balance where the rock narrows. Despite its modest length, KeeMoSabe offers tangible climbing quality that feels grounded rather than showy, making it a solid choice for those warming up or testing their edge on moderate terrain.
Protection here is straightforward but requires a full set of quickdraws—eight in total—to clip into the pre-placed bolts, plus gear to secure yourself at the double-bolt anchor at the summit. The rock’s generally sound profile instills confidence, though a moment’s attention to loose flakes on initial holds is wise. After topping out, a simple and quick rappelling descent deposits you back at the base, where the afternoon sun lingers long and the canyon’s quiet murmurs fill the air.
Scout Rock itself sits within the St. Vrain Canyons near Lyons, Colorado, a place where rugged sandstone cliffs carve out inviting routes for climbers of all levels. With KeeMoSabe’s westward orientation, afternoon climbs unfold bathed in sunlight, perfect for cool spring or autumn days when warmth from the sun can counteract the mountain chill. Plan your ascent mid-afternoon for optimal light and comfortable temperatures. Footwear with solid edging and sticky rubber will help you negotiate the sporadic thin moves plus the crux’s smaller holds. Hydrate well before the climb, as shade is limited and the arid air draws moisture quickly.
For climbers seeking a reliable sport introduction or a solid warm-up on Scout Rock, KeeMoSabe balances engaging movement with a manageable challenge. It captures the spirit of climbing here: straightforward, unpretentious, and rooted in the natural rhythms of this Colorado canyon environment.
The climb sheds some surface debris near the base, so check holds before trusting them fully. Anchors are secure but always confirm your rappel rigging. Given the west-facing wall, afternoon sun can bring increased rock temperature—hydrate accordingly.
Best climbed mid-afternoon for full sun exposure.
Wear sticky rubber shoes to handle thin crux moves smoothly.
Keep an eye out for surface flakes near the start; brush holds if possible.
Double-check your rappel set-up for a safe descent from the double-bolt anchor.
Caution: Bring eight quickdraws plus gear for the double-bolt anchor atop this 70-foot route. The bolts are well-placed but expect some loose surface debris early on.
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