Tucked across from The Bihedral on Cascade Crag, Lichenthrope, also called Good Clean Fun, offers a compact yet memorable trad climb that blends straightforward technical climbing with an undercurrent of old-school adventure. The route begins with a welcoming left-facing dihedral, establishing an easy rhythm that encourages confident movement. As your hands sweep the textured rock, the climb shifts into a right-facing dihedral that sets the stage for a choice: push straight over a small roof with a crux move rated 5.10 R, where protection is sparse and commitment is key, or take a short rightward traverse followed by a careful climb back left, easing into a more protected line.

Above this point, the route ventures upward and right, potentially linking with the Crack Where the Sun Don't Shine finish—known today as Rain Check—or veering across slabs that demand precise footwork and a steady head. Marginal protection in these sections reminds you that this climb tests mental as well as physical grit. Ultimately, the line guides you beneath a small overlap or roof, challenging your ability to move fluidly and read the rock, before finishing with a traverse that rewards patience and smart gear placement. Whether tackling the bulge directly or weaving around it, Lichenthrope insists on deliberate movement and a solid rack featuring a range of cams from Aliens and wires up to #2½ Friends.

Anchoring at just 180 feet in length, this single-pitch climb is compact but packed with character. The rock’s texture invites a tactile connection while the occasional runout sections regain your focus and commitment. Descending is straightforward, with a 180-foot rappel from a sturdy tree or an exposed 3rd class+ downclimb along the buttress’s right side for those seeking an adventurous exit without ropes.

Historically, this climb held an aura of ground-up ascents and unbolted lines dating back to the 1980s, which added to its allure. However, since late 2009, route retrobolting has changed the dynamic, reducing the runout challenges and transforming the experience for some climbers into a more straightforward endeavor. Despite that, the route remains a solid showcase of Boulder Canyon’s granite features and classic movement sensations. Approach the climb with a mindset geared towards careful planning, solid trad skills, and an appreciation for the rock’s subtle appeals.

For those headed to Boulder, Colorado’s Cascade Crag area, this climb offers an engaging introduction to the granite walls and the local climbing culture. Make sure to equip a 60-meter rope and a well-rounded trad rack to navigate the varied pro demands safely. Early summer to early fall provides the best weather window, with mornings offering cool shade improving friction on the rock. Hydrate well, and prepare for a brief but committed effort that balances accessibly fun climbing with the need to respect its historical and technical roots.