"Pickup Line delivers a focused 40-foot slab climb on Quickie Cliff, blending thin technical moves with moderate terrain beyond. This sport route invites precise footwork and steady confidence, making it a perfect test for climbers honing their balance and control near Estes Park."
Pickup Line offers climbers an engaging 40-foot pitch that balances technical finesse with approachable terrain on the slabs of Quickie Cliff. Originally climbed as a top-rope route, it now features bolted protection that invites confident movement across its delicate low-angle slab section. The first half demands precise footwork and a steady hand on thin holds, rewarding with a quiet intensity that tests balance more than brute strength. As you move upward, the climbing eases into moderate terrain, giving your body a moment to settle while still keeping the mind alert. This route, perched in the Lily Mountain sector overlooking the sweeping Estes Park Valley, presents not just physical moves but a chance to tune into the subtle dialogue between climber and rock.
Approach Quickie Cliff from the pullout along Colorado Highway 7, just east of the small mountain town of Estes Park. The trail is short and straightforward, with minimal elevation gain, making it a perfect warm-up or afternoon tick when conditions and daylight favor moderate angles over sheer walls. The rock faces south-southeast, welcoming morning sun that gradually warms the slab, but offering relief in the afternoon breeze carried by the valley below. Expect the granite to be clean but sometimes polished in spots, so sticky shoes and mindful foot placement pay off here.
This climb’s bolted protection, three bolts plus a shared two-bolt anchor with rings, offers security without sacrificing adventure. Optional small cams can be employed if you prefer added peace of mind, though the bolts provide reliable placements for the steady climber. The route’s name evolved from a fond nod to a pet dwarf hamster, lending a bit of personality alongside the rock’s quiet challenge.
Located at roughly 40.32 latitude and -105.53 longitude, this climb lies within reach of local amenities but removed enough to maintain a focused climbing experience. Estes Park serves as an excellent basecamp, offering gear shops, guides, and plenty of post-climb refreshments. Weather here shifts with the seasons, with summer and early fall bringing the most consistent dry conditions and the best times for climbing this slab comfortably.
For safety, be aware that the slab sections demand deliberate, controlled movements—slips here can lead to longer, more challenging falls. The anchor is solid but shared, so coordinating with fellow climbers is essential. The descent is a straightforward downclimb or single rappel from the fixed anchor.
Pickup Line strikes a wonderful balance for climbers seeking a short, sharp excursion with straightforward approach and moderate physical demands. It’s a great candidate for those nibbling at the edges of 5.8, or anyone who appreciates technical slab climbing that's as much about finesse as it is about strength.
Slab climbing on Pickup Line requires steady foot placement; falls can be longer and more hazardous than vertical climbs if you're not precise. The polished granite demands full attention, especially when hands brush over fewer holds. The shared anchor means be cautious of rope drag and communicate well with climbing partners during belays and descent.
Wear sticky shoes for the polished slab sections to enhance grip.
Start early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and potential slickness from evening moisture.
Communicate clearly at the anchor since it is shared between routes.
Bring light camming devices if you prefer extra security on the first half.
The route is protected by three bolts spaced for steady progression, with an optional cam placement for added assurance. The two-bolt anchor is shared with the adjacent climb "Ascent of a Woman," equipped with rings for a smooth rappel.
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