"Liar Liar is a concise trad route on North Table Mountain, offering a clean crack line with a compelling lieback finish. Its approachable 5.8 rating and fixed anchor make it an ideal choice for trad climbers seeking a straightforward pitch with some variety in beta."
Perched on the rugged cliffs of North Table Mountain near Golden, Colorado, Liar Liar offers a straightforward but rewarding trad climbing experience that blends technical crack work with an engaging lieback finish. This single 50-foot pitch starts in a slabby crack tucked between the well-known routes Startled and Resident Bush. The climb demands steady footwork and precise hand jams as you ascend the initial flared cracks, which gradually steepen and push into a clean, shallow right-facing corner. Here, the rock tightens into a compact groove that guides you directly to a pair of fixed bolts ideal for a top-rope setup or a lowered descent.
The climb’s defining feature lies in its upper half: a keen lieback section that challenges your balance and endurance as you leverage opposing pressure to move upward. While the rating sits at a comfortable 5.8, the crack’s variable angles mean you’ll want to keep your feet precise and body tension consistent to maintain momentum. For those without a full rack, the presence of fixed bolts simplifies top-rope access by allowing an easy hike around the headwall to rig from above.
Liar Liar occupies a sunny, exposed face of the Golden Cliffs, where daytime warmth can be intense in summer, but early mornings and late afternoons bring cooler conditions perfect for climbing. The approach follows a well-worn trail cutting through scrub oak and piñon pine, taking about 10-15 minutes from the nearest access point. Rock quality is solid, with clean edges typical of the volcanic basalt found around Table Mountain, offering reliable friction and dependable placements for standard cams and nuts.
Although this route remains a solid opener for climbers familiar with trad basics, it rewards attention to gear management—small to medium cams fit best in the constricting crack system, while the shallow corner above holds fewer opportunities for solid protection. A few variations allow climbers to customize their ascent, including a left-side top-rope alternative and a lower-angled 5.7 crack to the right, making Liar Liar a flexible choice for parties with mixed experience.
Beyond the technical side, the surrounding scenery elevates the experience: the ledge provides panoramic views over the Front Range, where rivers and rolling hills beckon below. The climbing zone's accessibility and moderate challenge make it an inviting spot to test your crack climbing skills while soaking in one of Colorado's distinctive cliff faces. Remember to prepare for sun exposure with ample water, sturdy shoes suited for slab, and timing your climb to avoid heat of the day. Whether as a first lead or part of a longer session on the tablelands, Liar Liar delivers a dependable dose of Colorado’s trad climbing heritage with straightforward beta and a touch of variety.
Although the bolts at the anchor are reliable, the approach to the anchors involves exposed scrambling with loose rock in places. Be cautious when moving around the top. The crack placements require attention to avoid gear pulling out under fall forces.
Approach via the established trail through scrub oak and piñon pine—takes roughly 10-15 minutes.
Start climbs in the crack between Startled and Resident Bush for easiest access.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection; the wall is exposed in midday sun.
For a top-rope alternative, hike around the top and rig from the anchor bolts.
Bring a standard trad rack focused on small to medium cams to protect the crack system. The route finishes at a pair of Fixe anchor bolts with rings, enabling easy top-rope setups or lowering. Fixed gear is limited, so precise gear placement skills are necessary for safe ascent.
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