"A compelling 65-foot sport climb on Olympic Wall’s Outrageous Overhangs, My Favorite Martin offers an engaging mix of ledges and bulges that stretch the 5.9- rating. Perfect for climbers eager to test precise movement in a rugged alpine setting."
My Favorite Martin carves a distinctive line on the Olympic Wall’s Outrageous Overhangs, offering a sport climb that challenges your finesse and nerve over a 65-foot vertical face. Set just left of Fox Trot, the route weaves across a sequence of ledges and bulges that demand precise footwork and steady rhythm. The rock occasionally tests your confidence—risk of falls rises with the terrain's unpredictable contours, so commitment and clear-headed movement are essential. While the official rating is 5.9-, many find the moves edge closer to a solid 5.8 with sections that stretch the grade toward the higher end, highlighting a subtle difficulty tucked inside ostensibly straightforward climbing.
Approaching the climb, the outcrop reveals a raw personality—a playground of protruding angles and shallow rests, balanced by a protective line of five bolts that lead you securely to the chain anchors. This fixed gear offers reassurance but doesn’t diminish the need for careful placement of weight, especially when navigating through the bulging sections where the rock inclines outward inviting dynamic motion. Fall potential here isn’t negligible; the series of ledges mean that a slip could carry you further than expected, so mindfulness in every move is crucial.
Olympic Wall itself is a gem of varying exposures and formations, and this route exemplifies the adventurous spirit of the area’s climbing culture. Accessible and not overly long, My Favorite Martin suits climbers ready to push their limit just past easy ground, all without the complexity of multi-pitch navigation. The setting at Independence Pass offers a mountain backdrop that shifts with light, giving each attempt a changing character, from morning’s crisp clarity to afternoon warmth soaking through the steep angles.
To prepare, expect a short, moderately rugged approach hiking up to the base; sturdy footwear and hydration are musts here due to rocky, uneven paths and variable weather conditions. Given the nature of the climb, helmet use is recommended, along with a moderately light rack focused on quickdraws for the bolt line. Timing climbs in the morning or early afternoon can provide the most comfortable temperatures and optimal rock conditions. Be vigilant after rain, as the limestone can slicken, upping the stakes on the ledgy sections.
My Favorite Martin is an invitation to engage with the rock’s subtle challenges while enjoying the rugged beauty of the Colorado alpine environment. Its balance of accessible difficulty and pocketed complexity makes it a worthy stop for those traversing Independence Pass with climbing gear in hand.
While bolted lines offer solid protection, the uneven ledges below can amplify fall consequences. Careful route-reading and controlled movement reduce risk, especially since the rock face includes protruding bulges that encourage dynamic body positioning.
Approach from Independence Pass parking; allow 20-30 minutes on rocky trail to base.
Wear a helmet due to ledges with potential fall consequences.
Start climbs in the morning for cooler, grippier conditions.
Check weather—wet limestone surfaces become slick and hazardous.
This route relies on five solid bolts spaced to protect the climb's delicate bulges and ledges. A standard rack of quickdraws will suffice, with attention to trimming the rope carefully on the steeper sections.
Upload your photos of My Favorite Martin and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.