Looking for Trouble carves a distinctive niche within the South Fork of St. Vrain Canyon’s rugged landscape—an adventure that combines raw, technical climbing with the quiet solitude of an uncrowded line. This two-pitch trad route, rated a modest 5.9-, welcomes climbers eager for a challenge that balances careful technique with a sense of exploration. Situated on the right side of Monkey Skull where afternoon sun lingers, this climb reveals a compelling sequence of hand cracks, overhangs, and dihedrals that test both body and mind.

Starting just beyond a cluster of uninviting blocks, and veiled behind a lone tree, the initial pitch offers a left-leaning hand crack that beckons climbers into the heart of a right-facing dihedral concealed beneath an overhang. This section demands precise placement and secure footwork, with thin fingers locking into corners that require focus rather than brute strength to negotiate. The route’s subtle complexity unfolds over roughly 60 to 70 feet, terminating at a broad ledge where climbers can pause and take in the canyon’s muted hues and steep, forested slopes below.

The second pitch ups the ante with a distinctive squeeze chimney—a move that forces you to wedge in tight, applying deliberate turns to maneuver through a physically demanding crux rated at the climb’s high point of 5.9. The chimney’s constricted space tests balance and body positioning, provoking that moment of edge-of-the-seat tension rarely found in more trafficked routes. Successfully emerging from the squeeze unlocks easier terrain ascending to the upper ledge, where the climb eases off and offers an opportunity to savor the earned vista and prepare for descent.

Accessing Looking for Trouble requires a thoughtful approach. The trailhead begins near Lyons, Colorado, with a hike that crosses geological boundaries and hints at the varied ecosystems found within St. Vrain Canyons. The trek up to Monkey Skull is straightforward but demands sturdy footwear as rough, uneven terrain slows the pace. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the base, granting a quiet start before afternoon sun graces the crag’s right flank.

Protection along the route consists primarily of standard rack gear focused on cams and nuts suitable for hand-sized cracks and dihedrals. Placements can be technical, requiring careful judgment to ensure safety on the overhang and squeeze chimney sections. Fixed gear is minimal to nonexistent, reinforcing the climb’s traditional nature and inviting climbers to hone their gear skills.

This climb invites a measured respect—not so much for overwhelming technical difficulty, but for the mental focus required to navigate the chimney and the often overlooked subtlety of crack climbing. The uncluttered environment also offers a dose of solitude rare in more popular local climbs, making it ideal for those looking to escape crowds and immerse themselves in a rhythm dictated by rock and route, not speed or competition.

For those preparing to climb Looking for Trouble, timing your outing to enjoy the afternoon sun on the right side of Monkey Skull is key. Water, a light pack, and plenty of patience during the approach add to a smooth, rewarding day on the rock. Descending involves a careful walk off to the right from the upper ledge, making sure to stay aware of loose blocks and slippery patches, especially after wet conditions.

Embrace this route as a blend of hands-on tradition and quiet wilderness. It offers a climb that tests technique and willpower while connecting you with one of Colorado’s lesser-known canyon walls. Whether it’s a first venture into St. Vrain Canyons or a seasoned revisit, Looking for Trouble delivers a memorable day of focused climbing in a dramatically natural setting.