Old Bolt Route invites climbers to test their nerves on a striking face just a stone's throw from the more familiar Rambo Santa in Big Thompson Canyon. Situated about 15 to 20 feet right of Rambo Santa’s classic 5.7 line, this 5.8-PG13 climb pushes you into a mix of trad and sport climbing with an edge. The rock is solid and the climbing engaging, but the protection tells a cautionary tale. Quarter-inch bolts and aged hangers peek out of the stone, paired with modest trad placements that demand sharp judgment and trust in your gear. This route’s 150 feet of vertical ascent cuts through a slab that feels exposed, urging climbers to move deliberately and respect the runouts.

Starting at the base, the approach guides you to a vertical challenge where the rock leans just enough to feel dynamic but never overwhelming. The slab’s texture offers ample friction, rewarding precise footwork, while the bolts provide intermittent anchors—though their spacing and condition require caution. A rope’s stretch between protection points can amplify the sense of exposure, adding a gritty buzz to each move.

Once at the anchor bolts of Rambo Santa, the descent unfolds with options: rappelling with a single rope down to the chains of Arkansas Patriot, or a more assured double-rope rappel all the way to the ground. Both choices demand attention to rope management and situational awareness, especially if conditions shift with wind or moisture.

The line demands a light rack, favoring smaller cams and nuts to back up the blend of aged fixed hardware and natural placements. Quickdraws clip the bolts sparingly peppered through the face, but relying solely on these is unwise. Climbers should come prepared for a candid experience where protection is sketchy yet the climbing itself rewards calculated moves and mental grit.

Located in Estes Park Valley, the Big Thompson Canyon climbs like Old Bolt Route offer a raw and close-up encounter with Colorado’s mid-elevation granite. The area feels alive, with intermittent breezes rustling the forest canopy above and the distant murmur of the canyon hinting at the river far below. Climbing here is a focused, no-frills pursuit that blends the beauty of these rugged walls with the sharp edge of precaution and respect for the historic routes that pepper the cliff faces.

This route is best suited for climbers comfortable with some risk in their protection and eager for a short, direct pitch that tests composure on less-forgiving hardware. Avoid peak wet seasons when the rock slickens, and aim for crisp, dry days when friction is at its peak and the sun hits the granite just right. Early spring through fall tends to offer the most stable conditions, with midday shade coming earlier in the day due to the wall’s orientation.

Old Bolt Route at Combat Rock demands readiness: approach with a compact, efficient rack, double-check your anchors, and keep your focus sharp. This climb rewards those who value a straightforward ascension with character, where the thrill comes as much from your choices on gear and movement as from the raw pulse of the canyon around you. The grade feels deliberate rather than soft—expect the crux to require controlled balance and smart gear placements amidst that uneven bolt spacing that keeps you honest. For climbers familiar with Colorado’s granite playground, this line is a gritty addition that balances exposure with a modest length and a taste of the classic lower Big Thompson terrain.