Mini Thins offers a focused climbing experience on the southern faces of the Spanish Peaks in Colorado, where solid granite and clean features create a route worth the effort for trad climbers looking to sharpen their crack skills. This single-pitch, moderate climb unfolds over 40 feet of varied terrain, beginning with a blocky, stable launch that quickly transitions into a left-leaning ramp. The route then angles sharply right into a delicate finger crack that demands precise hand and finger placements. Its proximity to the popular Truck Stop Crank means climbers share an anchor at the top, offering a convenient descent point.

Surrounded by rugged outcrops and wide-open sky, this climb balances challenge against accessibility. The approach leads you through the natural scrub and rock gardens characteristic of southern Colorado’s high country, and the rock itself is generally robust, though climbers should be prepared for some careful gear placements in the finger crack section. Protection extends up to 3.5 inches, so bring a rack emphasizing smaller cams and nuts to lock in confidently.

When you reach the top, you have the option to rappel down or make a controlled downclimb over third-class terrain trending south. This flexibility is particularly welcome given the variable rock quality on the descent and the steep drop-offs nearby.

Ideal for experienced novices stepping up from easier trad routes or seasoned climbers seeking a quick but rewarding send, Mini Thins provides solid climbing without overwhelming length or complexity. It’s especially well-suited for morning ascents when the southern exposure warms the rock but avoids the intense afternoon sun that can dry out the fingers too much. Expect a climb that tests finesse over brute strength, where the rock’s natural breathing spaces and features challenge body positioning and gear placement in equal measure.

Essential planning tips include scouting the anchor shared with Truck Stop Crank beforehand, packing a medium-small rack, and timing your climb for dry, stable weather. The Spanish Peaks area offers a remote feel while still being accessible from North Lake South, making Mini Thins a seamless addition to a day of multipitch adventures or an intro to the local trad routes. Stay alert for loose rock on the approach and descent and respect the fragile alpine environment around the base.

This route is a compact slice of Colorado granite climbing that invites thoughtful moves, careful gear choices, and a rewarding top-out with views that remind you why step-by-step progress on these stone faces is its own kind of adventure.