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Parting Of The Red Sea

Golden, Colorado United States
trad gear
slab
single pitch
shady rock
Colorado climbing
handcrack
Length: 75 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Parting Of The Red Sea
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"An engaging single-pitch trad climb weaving through shaded slabs and tight corners in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This approachable 5.8 challenges climbers with textured rock and requires careful gear placement on its 75-foot length."

Parting Of The Red Sea

Parting Of The Red Sea offers a rugged, hands-on climbing experience on the shaded slabs and corners of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This route demands close attention and solid gear skills on uneven, sometimes sticky rock that clings to your fingers and tests your footwork. The climb begins in a tight corner that quickly opens to a slab peppered with horizontal breaks, requiring balance and careful movement. As you ascend, the rock changes character, presenting a sequence of corners that lead to a short, angling handcrack where precision placements matter. Without bolts or fixed anchors, this route emphasizes self-reliance—clean gear placements are essential for both safety and confidence. The climb’s single pitch stretches 75 feet vertically, giving just enough exposure to feel invested without overwhelming. Within the quiet forest setting, you’ll find the rock’s patches of shade provide welcome relief on warmer days, while the varying textures invite tactile exploration. Though rated at a modest 5.8, the awkward sections and gunk-slicked surfaces can challenge your approach to technique and gear. Ideal for the trad climber who values an honest, straightforward line away from crowded areas, this climb blends accessible length with subtle complexity. Planning your ascent requires reliable rack preparation, solid footwear for slab moves, and timing your visit to avoid the midday sun when the rock can stick stubbornly to wet or dusty hands. Access is approachable via well-marked trails that ease you into the quiet mountain terrain surrounding Golden. Altogether, Parting Of The Red Sea invites climbers ready to engage fully with the rock’s personality and the forest’s calm companionship.

Climber Safety

Without bolts or anchors, this route places full responsibility on your trad rack proficiency. Watch for patches of ‘gunk’ that can compromise gear grip, and double-check placements before committing to moves. Approach with caution after rain, as slabs and corners soften grip and increase slip risk.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length75 feet

Local Tips

Start early to beat the afternoon heat and take advantage of the rock’s shady aspects.

Wear sticky-soled shoes suitable for slab and friction climbing.

Inspect gear placements carefully; the route’s gunky texture can make placements less secure if dusted.

Approach via the well-marked trailhead at Golden Gate Canyon SP; allow 20 minutes for a very moderate hike.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:Though a 5.8 on paper, this climb leans toward a slightly stiffer experience due to its varied and sometimes slick rock texture. The move through the short, angling handcrack serves as a subtle crux, requiring precise footwork and confident gear placements. Compared to nearby climbs of similar grade, the increased friction demands and lack of fixed protection make it feel more substantial than a typical moderate sport route.

Gear Requirements

Bring a full traditional rack as the route contains no bolts or fixed anchors. Small to medium-sized cams and plenty of nuts cover the protection needs, with careful placement critical on the polished sections and corners.

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Tags

trad gear
slab
single pitch
shady rock
Colorado climbing
handcrack