"Kodachrome at Cactus Cliff tests climbers with a 75-foot, sharply bolted 5.9 sport route that demands precision on a striking blunt arete. Just past the "Lats Wall," it offers a focused challenge with a shared finish tying into the classic "Mr. Fred.""
Kodachrome offers a sharp, engaging 75-foot sport climb on the bold arete just left of "Child’s Play," located within the expansive Cactus Cliff area near Canon City, Colorado. This route is a straightforward test piece for climbers ready to push a solid 5.9 grade on well-protected terrain. The climb starts with steady jabs along a bolted line that challenges footwork and body positioning as you work the blunt arete’s edges, rewarding steady movement and confident clipping. At no point does the rock relent – the textured sandstone demands clean, precise holds that feel alive under your fingertips, while the rib rises steadily into a shared finish with the established "Mr. Fred" route.
Approaching Kodachrome, the trail skirts east from the well-established "Lats Wall," threading past "Christmas Tree" before arriving at this undeniably distinct feature. The sandstone here catches the Colorado sun, warming up as the afternoon fades, creating ideal conditions for those targeting afternoon to early evening sends. The route’s single pitch is packed with nine well-spaced bolts, offering reliable protection for climbers ready to explore controlled risk rather than overhang drama.
Cactus Cliff's open landscape supplies sweeping views towards the nearby rocky ridges and desert plains, accompanied by the subtle crackle of dry brush and the occasional breeze rustling the sparse trees, grounding the experience as a full-on outdoor adventure. For climbers targeting a gritty test of sport climbing precision at moderate difficulty, Kodachrome serves as a perfect stepping stone between beginner and intermediate walls in this varied climbing destination.
Practical considerations include sturdy shoes with sticky rubber to navigate slick sandstone edges, a willingness to clip carefully along the arete, and a preference for climbing during stable, dry weather given the porous nature of the rock. The approach is comfortably short and straightforward, leaving plenty of daylight for multiple attempts or exploration of neighboring sport routes. With 90 votes sitting at an average of 1.9 stars, climbers weigh the route’s modest challenge and quality, but once on the rock, the textured handholds and unique placement on the arete provide a memorable session.
In sum, Kodachrome invites climbers to engage sharp holds, steady breath, and a tasteful balance of controlled risk on one of Cactus Cliff’s more distinctive sport climbs. It’s an ideal addition to your Canon City trip, whether you’re honing technique or chasing a confident redpoint at the 5.9 level.
While well-bolted, the sandstone can be fragile if wet or crumbly; avoid climbing after rain or heavy moisture. The rappel from anchors requires attention—anchor points are fixed but inspect before descending. Watch for loose debris on the approach trail.
Start from the Lats Wall trailhead and look east past Christmas Tree to reach the climb quickly.
Stick to climbing in dry conditions; the sandstone can become slippery when wet.
Mid-afternoon to early evening offers the best light and warming rock surface.
Use sticky-soled climbing shoes to maximize grip on the blunt arete’s edges.
The route features 9 well-placed bolts spaced for safe clipping along a single pitch. Standard sport set-up suffices; no additional gear needed. Lower from fixed anchors with a rappel or downclimb carefully.
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