"One, Two, Three is a concise single-pitch trad climb in Buena Vista, Colorado, featuring shallow crack climbing and a technical start on Spectcrackular’s first 15 feet. Ideal for trad climbers looking to hone crack skills with moderate protection and manageable exposure."
The route known simply as One, Two, Three offers a straightforward yet captivating climbing experience just outside the inviting mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado. This trad line pulls you into a vertical encounter with rock that feels alive beneath your hands. Beginning with a short, technical move up the first 15 feet of the adjacent Spectcrackular wall, the climb demands focused footwork before you take a precise step right to clip a bolt, securing your position before moving into the main section. Here, shallow cracks open their arms wide, offering hands and feet solid purchase as you ascend linearly towards the summit. The cracks have personality—sometimes subtle and delicate, other times assertive enough to test your rack and technique. At 50 feet high and protected by traditional gear up to 4 inches, One, Two, Three suits those craving a quick, engaging escape from the lower-elevation bustle. The route’s single pitch condenses a crisp burst of climbing on quality stone, providing a concentrated touch of Colorado’s climbing spirit. Expect a moderate challenge at 5.8, making this route accessible for climbers honing crack skills or seeking a reliable warm-up. If you time your climb for morning or late afternoon, the route’s east-facing aspect rewards you with balanced light and shade, keeping rock temperatures comfortable during summer’s heat. Approaching requires a brief hike through open terrain and pine patches, with GPS coordinates marking a clear path. Bring a standard trad rack focused on sizes up to 4 inches—larger cams will remain unused, so keep your rack trim but complete. Descending is straightforward, typically via a walk-off toward the trailhead. Beware of loose rock on the descent and maintain vigilance on your placements during the climb; the shallow cracks test protection, and one misstep can increase the stakes. In all, One, Two, Three provides a focused, hands-on interaction with Buena Vista’s raw rock, perfectly suited for trad enthusiasts eager for a logical line with just enough technical promise to keep the senses sharp.
Watch carefully for loose rock on both the approach and descent. The shallow cracks demand solid gear placement and cautious progression; over-placing or rushing can put safety at risk.
Start early or late in the day to avoid midday heat on the east-facing wall.
Focus on footwork during the initial 15-foot section for smooth movement onto the main cracks.
Trim your rack to cams no larger than 4 inches to stay light and efficient.
Be cautious of loose rock on the descent trail—good shoes and slow steps help.
A single rack up to 4-inch cams is sufficient; no larger gear is necessary. Protection can be tricky in shallow cracks, so precise placements are essential.
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