"Miss Bliss is a concise, single-pitch climb that combines technical friction on sharp granite with a mix of bolts and small gear placements. It’s a solid early-season warm-up on the Rampart Range, offering both straightforward protection and rewarding textured rock beneath Colorado’s open sky."
Miss Bliss stakes its claim as the leftmost line at the rugged Parachute Rock, inviting climbers into a concise and engaging experience on Colorado’s Rampart Range. This single pitch climbs approximately 100 feet of fissured granite, where sharp crystals and textured face holds form a playground of friction climbing that demands attention and steady feet. The first bolt sits deliberately high, encouraging climbers to trust their gear placed below, primarily small cams and nuts, making it an ideal route to sharpen gear management early in the day. Above the overlap, the route eases into a secure belay station, from which the descent is a straightforward walk-off to the left, sparing you the hassle of rappels in this remote but approachable corner of South Platte.
Though Miss Bliss measures just a single pitch, its blend of bolted and traditional protection offers a nuanced challenge—particularly as footholds and edges test balance and technique rather than brute strength. The rock here wears a rough surface, the big crystals jutting out with a personality that both invites and tests your grip, rewarding a careful touch rather than aggressive moves. It’s a solid warm-up before pushing rightward to the adjacent crack climbs, which demand more specialized crack skills and endurance.
Located within a wider climbing landscape that bridges accessible trailheads with more rugged Colorado wilderness, Parachute Rock exemplifies an early morning outing that can fit neatly into a day of exploration. The area’s sandstone walls catch early sun, warming the rock quickly but leaving shaded pockets behind the overhangs to cool off weary hands. With thirty votes crowd-sourcing the rating, Miss Bliss carries a modest two-star ranking—a reflection not of difficulty but of the pure, no-frills enjoyment it offers.
Practical preparation centers on packing a trad rack geared for small sizes complemented by quickdraws for two well-spaced bolts. Sturdy footwear with sticky rubber will pay off, as will planning to tackle this route during the cooler morning hours in spring or fall when temperatures hover comfortably. The approach down Rampart Range Road is straightforward, but keep an eye on weather conditions, especially late in the season when the rock can become slick from moisture or early frost.
Miss Bliss is for climbers who appreciate quality over quantity — a crisp, methodical introduction to the granite’s texture here, rewarded with a satisfying send and a mellow exit. It’s an approachable blend of trad and sport, perfect for strengthening technical skills without overwhelming commitment. Whether you’re sorting gear placements or just soaking in the quiet power of the South Platte canyon walls, this route earns its place as a dependable classic among Colorado’s foothills climbs.
Watch for the initial bolt’s elevated position and double-check small gear placements below for security. The rock’s texture can be abrasive but occasionally loose crystals warrant careful testing before fully committing. During wet or cold conditions, the friction holds become slick, so avoid climbing when moisture lingers.
Start early to benefit from morning sun warming the rock and avoid midday heat.
Focus on precise foot placements to handle the friction climbing on the crystal-studded face.
Prepare for a short walk-off descent left of the route—no rappelling required.
Carry a rack weighted toward smaller cams and nuts to secure gear below the high bolt.
The route features two modern bolts set above placements suitable mostly for smaller cams and nuts. Early gear placements are crucial due to the bolt’s high position, so bring a rack with a focus on small-sized protection and quickdraws for clipping bolts.
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