The Northwest Face on Fourth Buttress stands as a compelling introduction to traditional climbing within Boulder Canyon’s rugged landscape. This single-pitch route engages with clean, well-defined cracks that invite both novice and experienced climbers to test their crack techniques while enjoying Boulder’s iconic granite. Starting where the water pipe meets the tunnel mouth, you’ll launch yourself across a horizontal crack—requiring a solid #0.5 Friend for protection. The granite here has a purposeful texture, offering confident holds as you traverse into the heart of the route.

The climb then channels you upward along a sustained crack system that splits vertically, demanding steady footwork and deliberate hand jams. This section flows into an accessible choice: either swing right on a moderate 5.6 ramp or challenge yourself left on a more demanding 5.9 variation with a #5a Cam placement. Whichever path you pick, both converge onto a series of inviting 5.8 cracks leading to the summit, where sweeping views of the Boulder Flatirons reward your efforts.

Approach the climb in the cooler morning hours to avoid the granite overheating, and keep your rack stocked with a standard range up to #2.5 Friends. Boulder Creek runs nearby, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the tunnel beckons for a wade-through on your descent, adding a refreshing element to the experience. The route’s walk-off descent is straightforward, but stay attentive to loose blocks on the scramble back.

Local rhythm pulses through the area, with pine-scented breezes and sunlit granite that glows warmly in the daylight. This climb strikes a balance between accessible challenge and classic crack climbing, making it a fulfilling objective for anyone looking to engage directly with Boulder’s climbing heritage. The protection placements are reliable but demand thoughtful gear selection—this isn’t a route for the ill-prepared. The route’s character and natural flow fuse practicality with the reward of solid granite cracks and striking canyon views.