HomeClimbingLet It Slide

Let It Slide: A Bold Ascent on Diamond Head, Eldorado Canyon

Boulder, Colorado United States
exposed
face climbing
runout
minimal protection
stunted trees
panoramic views
Length: ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Let It Slide
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Let It Slide challenges climbers with a bold, unprotected 5.9 X face climb on Diamond Head's south wall. Offering dynamic moves on solid rock and an exposed atmosphere, this route rewards those prepared to embrace minimal gear and maximum adventure."

Let It Slide: A Bold Ascent on Diamond Head, Eldorado Canyon

Emerging onto the southern face of Diamond Head in Eldorado Canyon State Park, Let It Slide offers a compelling challenge for climbers drawn to bold, adventurous routes with minimal protection. The climb demands a blend of precise face climbing and confident route-finding, beginning just to the east of the established Let It Rock line. Here, the rock stretches out in a broad, sheer wall segmented by a dramatic horizontal crack that runs east to west, slicing the face and creating two prominent vertical cracks above it.

This single-pitch ascend moves upward and slightly right, tracing the space between those cracks, hugging the rock with muscular, steady movements. Along the ascent, you'll notice small stunted trees halfway up, almost like nature’s quiet sentinels marking the path. These natural markers give a sense of scale and offer a fleeting touch of greenery against the rugged stone.

Let It Slide is a route born from bold exploration. The first ascent involved a top-rope down climb, establishing this line from above before climbing it back up—a true test of nerve and skill. The rock quality is generally solid, presenting a textured face that demands careful footwork and steady hands. However, some holds are less trustworthy, reinforcing the X rating and the need for caution. This climb is not for those seeking comfort or security; rather, it’s a call to embrace exposure and challenge your limits.

While the climb lacks fixed protection, a handful of pieces might be used effectively for belays, or climbers may opt to top-rope it from established anchors on nearby routes like Let It Rock or Let It Roll. The route’s runout sections test both physical endurance and mental control—perfect for experienced climbers comfortable with minimal gear.

At the summit, a sweeping 360-degree view stretches out, rewarding the effort with panoramas that include the Eldora Ski Resort to the west and the impressive silhouettes of the Devil’s Thumb, the Matron, Tower of the Moon, and Jamcrack Spire to the east. This vista serves as a reminder of Eldorado’s vast mountain playground, emphasizing the climb’s remote and wild spirit.

Descending requires careful planning: rappelling down to the horizontal crack to access other nearby climbs provides one option, while choosing to rappel from Shibumi’s summit anchors or scrambling off either side offers alternatives depending on your comfort with exposure and terrain. With no straightforward walk-off, the descent deserves as much respect as the ascent.

For those arriving at Eldorado Canyon, Let It Slide is a raw, exhilarating experience—an adventure tinted with risk but framed by unforgettable rock and views. Prepare with sturdy climbing shoes, helmet, and a small rack for belays, and be ready for an ascent that demands both bravery and precision.

Climber Safety

Climbers should exercise caution due to sparse protection and some loose holds. Helmets are essential to protect from rockfall. The approach includes scrambling on uneven terrain, and the descent features rappels or exposed walk-offs—be certain of rope management and anchor security.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length feet

Local Tips

Approach via the southeast corner of Diamond Head's south face involving a short scramble.

Top-rope from Let It Rock or Let It Roll anchors for safer practice before leading.

Be prepared for a runout and some insecure holds—trust your instincts and don’t rush moves.

Plan your descent carefully; rappelling to the horizontal crack or using Shibumi anchors avoids hazardous downclimbs.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9 X
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 X rating hints at a route that tests mental toughness more than technical difficulty. The absence of protection and questionable holds require a steady approach and confidence in face moves. While the grade itself feels accurate for the moves, the X designation warns of runouts that elevate the risk. Climbers familiar with local Eldorado moderate 5.9s will find Let It Slide a stiffer proposition given its exposure and gear scarcity.

Gear Requirements

Minimal gear is needed, with no protection placements available on the pitch itself. Bring a modest rack for belays or consider top-roping from anchors above Let It Rock or Let It Roll. Helmets recommended given the risk of fall and loose holds.

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Tags

exposed
face climbing
runout
minimal protection
stunted trees
panoramic views