HomeClimbingLet's Do It Again, Daddy

Let's Do It Again, Daddy

Deckers, Colorado United States
gator skin rock
abrasive texture
single pitch
trad gear
South Platte climbing
Length: 80 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Let's Do It Again, Daddy
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Experience the sharp texture and bold lines of 'Let's Do It Again, Daddy,' a single-pitch trad climb that tests your footwork and gear placement skills on Colorado’s iconic gator skin face. This 80-foot route locks you into a focused, tactile adventure in the quiet reaches of Thunder Ridge."

Let's Do It Again, Daddy

Set against the striking backdrop of the rugged Thunder Ridge and threaded into the familiar terrain of The Alligator Lounge, 'Let's Do It Again, Daddy' invites climbers into a focused and rewarding experience on the South Platte’s West Creek corridor in Colorado. This single-pitch traditional climb stretches 80 feet along a vividly textured face of gator skin rock, offering an engaging challenge with a clean but moderately committing 5.8 PG13 rating. From the moment you start, the climb grabs your attention with its sharp rock texture that demands precise footwork and confident hand placements, while the route’s location just left of a prominent dihedral provides a natural orientation on the wall.

The climb’s rock surface, resembling coarse reptilian skin, offers a sensory thrill—abrasive enough to demand respect yet offering the friction that keeps you locked in. The protection relies on a standard rack, making it straightforward to gear up without chasing specialized nuts or cams. Despite the approachable nature, the PG13 tag warns that falls could be tricky, especially given the spacing between gear placements and the runout sections that test mental focus as much as physical ability.

Approach is manageable for most climbers who are comfortable with a moderate walk-in to the base. Thunder Ridge is an accessible gem within the South Platte area, known for its mix of high-quality cracks and face routes that still maintain a wild, less-trafficked feel. The surrounding forest and rock formations frame the climb, imparting a quiet sense of solitude as you focus uphill. On arrival, the ambient sounds of the nearby creeks mingle with pine needles shifting softly beneath your boots, setting a rhythm that gently urges you onward.

For those looking to time the climb perfectly, mornings and early afternoons offer the best light and temperature—shadows cast by the ridge cool the wall during the warmer months, while the sun’s path tilts to provide warmth in shoulder seasons. As this face leans slightly westward, the climb benefits from afternoon sun but stays comfortable during cooler parts of the day.

Gear-wise, a standard rack including cams from small to medium sizes, along with an assortment of nuts, will secure your ascent. Given the sparse fixed gear, appreciating the nuances of your placements will boost confidence and safety. The route’s single pitch means the descent is straightforward: a controlled rappel or a short walk off the ridge, though climbers should always stay alert for loose debris and watch footing carefully on the downslope sections.

Ultimately, 'Let's Do It Again, Daddy' balances a taste of adventure with practical accessibility—offering fresh texture underhand holds, a standout rock face, and just enough exposure to keep your adrenaline humming. It’s an excellent choice for trad climbers stepping up to the challenge below 5.9 grades who appreciate routes where a well-earned spot on the rock meets meaningful protection and a vivid setting. Whether you’re ticking routes on a breezy spring weekend or seeking to sharpen your trad skills amid the foothills’ quieter climbs, this line holds steady as a favorite catch for the focused climber.

Climber Safety

Watch for the runout sections where gear can be spaced out; falls here could result in a swing against the rough rock face. Also, the abrasive texture may scrape skin sharply, so plan dexterous movements carefully.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length80 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid the midday sun hitting the face directly.

Check gear placements carefully—protection can feel sparse in some sections.

Wear gloves or tape fingers to handle the abrasive rock safely.

Plan your descent route in advance; loose debris can make the walk-off tricky.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8 PG13
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 PG13 rating hints at a climb that is approachable yet demands respect for its runouts and gear spacing. While not overly hard in pure difficulty, the combination of single-pitch exposure and careful protection placement raises the mental game compared with some softer 5.8s in the region.

Gear Requirements

Bring a standard trad rack covering small to medium cams and a full set of nuts. The route lacks fixed protection, so be prepared to place solid gear on the coarse gator skin rock.

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Tags

gator skin rock
abrasive texture
single pitch
trad gear
South Platte climbing