Meat is Murder offers an accessible yet satisfying trad climbing experience nestled on North Table Mountain’s Golden Cliffs, Colorado. This single-pitch route traces a clean hand-and-fist crack etched into the rock, providing a tactile playground for crack lovers looking for a quick but rewarding challenge. The approach itself sets the tone: a short scramble up about 20 feet of fourth-class terrain to reach the base, where the crack awaits, inviting climbers to slot their hands and fists into its natural rhythm. The crack’s character feels straightforward but engaging, demanding solid jamming technique and calm focus.

The broader area boasts rugged cliffs that catch the late afternoon sun, casting sharp shadows that highlight every flake and seam. To the immediate left of Meat is Murder lies the noted Mind Mantel Arete, while on the right, Alan’s Seam marks another nearby feature. A secondary crack branches off to the left from the main line, offering additional protection opportunities and subtle route choices.

Protection is straightforward but requires a full set of cams up to a #4 Camalot to cover effectively, especially because fixed gear is minimal and the best anchors rely on bolts found on the neighboring Mind Mantel Arete. This underscores the importance of carrying a light, minimalist rack without skimping on larger sizes. Meat is Murder isn’t about marathon endurance but about rhythm and technique in a compact format.

Access to the route involves a brief ascent up careful loose rock before arriving at the crack’s base, so sturdy footwear and an attentive approach are essential. The short length—just 60 feet—means climbers can easily link this climb with others nearby or use it as a quick training pitch on a day with limited time.

Timing your climb to the mid to late afternoon allows for pleasant warmth on the cliff’s west-facing surfaces, softening Colorado’s cooler mountain air. While the rock’s texture generally clings well under dry conditions, the layered sandstone can become slick after rain, so checking weather reports and allowing ample drying time is critical.

Descent is simple with rappelling options available from fixed bolts on Mind Mantel Arete, or alternatively, climbers can downclimb the approach scramble with care. This versatility makes Meat is Murder a practical choice for climbers seeking solid crack climbing within a convenient proximity to Golden.

This route’s straightforward nature, clean lines, and solid protection options make it ideal for trad climbers honing their crack skills or those aiming to explore the rich climbing landscape around North Table Mountain without a long commitment. It encapsulates the satisfying balance between effort and reward typical of Colorado’s classic trad lines.