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Lost in the Jungle: A Three-Pitch Sport Climb in South Platte

Denver, Colorado United States
sport climbing
multi-pitch
slab climbing
crack crux
bolted anchors
Length: 250 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
3
Location
Lost in the Jungle
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Lost in the Jungle carves a three-pitch line up the right side of The Jungle, balancing moderate slab sections with a compelling 5.9 crack crux. This sport route offers an inviting yet technical challenge framed by Colorado’s rugged South Platte landscape."

Lost in the Jungle: A Three-Pitch Sport Climb in South Platte

Lost in the Jungle offers a focused adventure on the rugged right side of The Jungle formation, a distinctive feature in Colorado's South Platte climbing corridor. This three-pitch sport route presents a balanced experience, blending moderate slab moves with a key technical crux, perfect for those eager to sharpen their lead climbing skills in a setting that rewards attention and precision.

The approach begins with a gentle slab that toes the line between accessible and engaging, inviting climbers into a rhythm. The first pitch eases you upward with its straightforward 5.6 moves until a small right-facing corner challenges you beneath a roof. Here, the route earns character: a subtle shift in angle and texture nudges your focus as you thread seven bolts to the belay. This pitch serves as a measured warm-up, setting the tone without overwhelming.

Above, the second pitch stretches out across easier ground at first before veering left towards a steep wall highlighted by a wide, arching crack. This crack is the heart of the climb and demands respect. Rated 5.9, it holds the crux where climbers negotiate sustained moves requiring solid footwork and delicate hand placements, all supported by a well-protected line of nine bolts. The rock’s texture varies here, offering both friction and holds that feel alive beneath your fingertips. The arching shape encourages balance and thoughtful movement, offering a satisfying challenge without tipping into outright difficulty.

The final pitch is a concise push up a slab peppered with dependable holds, easing the physical and mental intensity as the route draws to a close. The slab's gentle angle leads you to a bolt anchor situated just left where the rock flattens. This pitch, rated 5.7, wraps the climb with a finish that rewards persistence and provides a neat resting point.

The surrounding landscape mirrors the route’s approachable yet adventurous nature. The Jungle area sits southwest of Denver, with pine-scented air and open skies framing the rock. The climbing locale offers a mix of sun and shade spots, making timing flexible across seasons but rewarding cooler parts of the day during summer months.

Bolted protection is consistent and reliable throughout, with fixed anchors that facilitate safe transitions between pitches and descent. Bringing standard sport climbing gear will suffice here, with no need for additional trad equipment, making this an excellent choice for those seeking a straightforward multi-pitch experience that balances commitment and ease.

For climbers considering Lost in the Jungle, hydration and footwear suited to both slab friction and crack work are essential. Steady pacing in the second pitch’s crux will help manage energy reserves, while the slab pitches encourage fluid movement rather than brute strength. The route’s length of 250 feet and moderate grading ensure it fits well into a half-day outing, leaving room to explore other South Platte classics or enjoy a relaxing post-climb meal nearby.

Lost in the Jungle provides an authentic Colorado sport climbing experience: accessible enough for intermediate climbers, technical enough to offer a meaningful challenge, and framed by the natural beauty that defines the region’s outdoor culture. Whether you're threading bolts for the first time on a multi-pitch or seeking a straightforward outing with room to practice transitions and leads, this route delivers a satisfying climb rooted in thoughtful movement and solid rock.

Climber Safety

Pay close attention near the roof on pitch one and the crack section on pitch two, as slipping on the slab can lead to a longer fall if protection isn’t clipped properly. Check anchors before committing and be mindful of loose rock around the belay ledges.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches3
Length250 feet

Local Tips

Start early in the day to avoid afternoon heat on the sun-exposed slabs.

Wear sticky-soled shoes to maximize friction on the slab pitches.

Hydrate well before the climb; the approach offers limited water sources.

Plan for a 2-3 hour round trip including climbing and descent.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating centers on the second pitch’s wide crack, which features sustained, technical moves that feel true to the grade. The slab pitches frame the climb with lower difficulty but require good balance and footwork, making the overall grade feel well calibrated and accessible to intermediate sport climbers familiar with crack techniques.

Gear Requirements

The climb is fully bolted with fixed anchors at each belay, requiring standard sport climbing gear. A quickdraw rack sufficient for around 22 bolts covers the route, no traditional gear needed.

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Tags

sport climbing
multi-pitch
slab climbing
crack crux
bolted anchors