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Mechanically Inept: A Hand and Finger Crack Challenge on North Table Mountain

Golden, Colorado United States
hand crack
finger crack
single pitch
golden sandstone
Colorado trad
short approach
Length: 50 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Mechanically Inept
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Mechanically Inept is a precise 50-foot trad route offering a mix of hand and finger crack climbing on North Table Mountain’s golden sandstone. It challenges climbers with awkward openings that give way to solid jams, rewarding those with a keen eye for gear and technique."

Mechanically Inept: A Hand and Finger Crack Challenge on North Table Mountain

Mechanically Inept offers climbers a straightforward but engaging crack climb set against the rugged backdrop of North Table Mountain's distinctive golden cliffs. From the base, you face a short ascent, about 50 feet, that demands careful movement and precise technique. The route kicks off with a series of slightly awkward moves that test your balance and footwork, inviting you to read the rock and settle into its rhythm. As you progress, a hand and finger crack opens up, providing solid jamming opportunities. Climbers will find themselves locked into the natural groove, using the crack to inch upward with steady confidence. Higher on the route, the crack widens, and protection placements become more spread out, offering fewer secure options. This section requires a cautious approach, transitioning to careful face climbing to reach the two-bolt anchor shared with the Gold Shut Route. The golden sandstone glows warmly in the daylight, its textured surface lending grip and character to the ascent. While the climb is short, it packs a satisfying punch—balanced between technical finger work and straightforward gear management. Ideal for trad climbers looking to sharpen crack skills without committing to a multi-pitch endeavor, this route benefits from cooler morning temperatures when the sun hasn’t yet warmed the wall. Access to the climb is straightforward, with a short approach from the parking area that cuts through open sagebrush and low scrub. Quality gear up to a #2 Friend is recommended, as the crack’s varying width demands a mixed rack. Whether you’re brushing up on your crack technique or seeking a quick, focused outing, Mechanically Inept delivers a compact dose of classic Colorado trad climbing in a well-loved climbing area. Just remember to pack plenty of water, wear solid approach shoes, and leave ample time for the descent via a short walk off the back of the cliff.

Climber Safety

Protection becomes sparse near the top where the crack flares, so placing a solid anchor and trusting your smaller cams is vital. The rock quality is generally sound but watch for loose debris near the belay ledge. Descend carefully on the walk-off path to avoid loose scree and unstable footing.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Start early to enjoy cooler rock temperatures and reduced sun exposure.

Wear sticky approach shoes to navigate the short trail through scrub and loose rock.

Bring a rack with smaller cams for the finger crack and medium-sized cams for the wider section near the top.

Prepare for a short but steep approach hike, and allow time for a careful walk-off descent.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:At 5.8, Mechanically Inept feels approachable but will expose climbers new to crack climbing to some subtle balance challenges in the opening moves. The grade is fairly honest; the crux centers on awkward entry into the crack and managing gear placements as it widens above, making it a great stepping stone for those progressing in trad skills. Compared to nearby routes, it leans toward a straightforward but technical style rather than raw power or endurance.

Gear Requirements

Bring a full trad rack up to #2 Camalot, focusing on finger and hand-sized protection. The anchor is a secure two-bolt setup requiring a standard anchor building approach.

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Tags

hand crack
finger crack
single pitch
golden sandstone
Colorado trad
short approach