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Live Fire at Turkey Tail: A Traditional Challenge on South Platte

Deckers, Colorado United States
technical crux
wide pod
slab
granite
south platte
single pitch
trad rack essential
Length: 70 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Live Fire
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Live Fire is a crisp, technical trad climb on South Platte’s Turkey Tail wall. Offering a challenging crux and secure protection, it's a step beyond nearby classics like Termination and Eclipse. A must for climbers sharpening their rack skills and slab movement."

Live Fire at Turkey Tail: A Traditional Challenge on South Platte

Live Fire stands as a solid, one-pitch traditional climb tucked into the rugged Turkey Tail section of Turkey Rocks, along Colorado's South Platte. At 70 feet in height, this climb offers a step up in challenge beyond its nearby neighbors, Termination and Eclipse—both well-regarded classics. The route's rating hovers just above the 5.8 mark, making it a worthy project for climbers ready to test smarts and finesse on mostly solid granite underfoot and fingertip.

The rock here demands respect: firm and reliable, granting confidence to enter each move fully. Protection placements range easily from finger-sized cams up to 4-inch pieces, with one notable crux that calls for a rare larger cam—around 5 to 6 inches—to secure your safety. This "wake-up" moment occurs at a wide pod feature where the climb briefly ramps up in technicality and reach. Placing pro here requires attention, as the protection lies below this sequence, forcing a strategic use of the big cam to mitigate the risk.

After this move, the climb eases slightly to a steady 5.7-5.8 grade, allowing the climber to settle into rhythm, moving rightwards toward the top anchors. These are protected by solid gear placements ideal for setting up a secure belay. From here, the descent leads east in a short walk to the familiar two-bolt rap station shared with Eclipse and Termination, making your exit smooth and efficient.

The approach to Live Fire is manageable, weaving through South Platte’s granite formations, where pine-scented air and distant chatter of the river invite focus and calm. With a modest elevation gain, the walk-in primes you physically without wearing you down—a perfect balance for a route that asks for a moment of concentrated effort.

Local advice emphasizes bringing a complete rack, especially ensuring you have a cam in the 5- to 6-inch range. Footwear with precise edging capability will aid on the slabby sections where friction is king. Climbing earlier in the day avoids the warming south sun hitting the wall, keeping holds crisp and comfortable. Hydrate well and keep a light pack to maximize mobility on this accessible yet technical pitch.

Live Fire exemplifies the appeal of South Platte’s slabby granite: a blend of mental problem-solving with physical control, touchstone solid rock, and a bite of exposure that sharpens focus. It’s an excellent choice for climbers who want to stretch beyond easier classics and hone their traditional climbing system with real-world challenges.

Climber Safety

Protection is solid except at the wide pod crux, which lies above your gear unless you carry a larger cam. Misplaced gear here risks a long fall. Approach with caution and double-check placements before committing past this section.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length70 feet

Local Tips

Pack a 5-6 inch cam for the crux pod—key for safe protection.

Start early to avoid direct afternoon sun warming the slab.

Use precise edging shoes for the slick granite slabs.

Hydrate well and keep your pack minimal for mobility.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:Although rated 5.9, Live Fire leans toward a stiff 5.9 with a standout crux that demands both strength and smart gear placement. Compared to Termination or Eclipse, this route feels a notch harder due to its more sustained technical sequence and the tricky pod move. The grade holds firm past the crux, offering a steady challenge that calls for clean footwork and confidence on slab.

Gear Requirements

Bring a full rack from finger sizes to 4 inches, plus one larger cam (5-6 inch) for the crux pod placement. Standard nuts and cams handle most protection.

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Tags

technical crux
wide pod
slab
granite
south platte
single pitch
trad rack essential