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Poo Shoes: A Compact Trad and Sport Route on Misspent Youth Wall

Grand Junction, Colorado United States
trad
sport
face climb
stem moves
bolt
short
technical
Length: 35 ft
Type: Trad, Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Poo Shoes
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Poo Shoes is a short but technical trad and sport climb on the Misspent Youth Wall, combining precise footwork and gear placements with a secure bolt to top out. Ideal for climbers wanting a focused challenge in Grand Mesa’s Land’s End Area."

Poo Shoes: A Compact Trad and Sport Route on Misspent Youth Wall

Poo Shoes offers a focused, approachable climb that blends trad and sport elements into a short, intense burst of technical movement. This 35-foot route sits on the weathered face of Misspent Youth Wall, part of the Land's End Area in Grand Mesa’s striking Grand Junction region. From the base, the rock’s subtle texture invites confident footwork as you navigate a face climb and shift into stem moves aiming for a bolt protector perched overhead. A mantle onto a small ledge follows, a brief respite before the route widens into a low-angle corner that guides you to the chains and the top anchor. The climb’s moderate 5.8 rating balances accessibility with meaningful challenge, perfect for those sharpening their trad skills while enjoying the security of a sport bolt.

Engagement with this climb feels immediate: the rock holds a dry, slightly coarse grip underfoot and fingertip, while the exposure wheels open toward west-facing canyons, offering a view that quietly reminds you of the vast Colorado terrain surrounding you. The wall catches morning sun, warming the stone and easing the chill that Grand Mesa mornings often bring. This is not a route for long hauls — instead, its brief length packs in technical moves that reward precise foot placement and a calm approach to the mantle. Protective gear ranges from small nuts to medium cams (0.75 to 2.0 inches), supplemented by a single, well-placed bolt. This combination requires a climber to trust both gear and movement, blending traditional placement skills with sport safety.

Getting here is straightforward, with the Land’s End Area accessed via a short approach trail that cuts through sparse forest and scrub, offering occasional shade and a dry footing. The walk-in sets the tone: relaxed yet alert, preparing you for the move sequence ahead. Whether you’re topping out after your first lead or ticking this climb as a warm-up before longer adventures in the Grand Mesa region, Poo Shoes demands focused attention but leaves room for runners of various experience.

Plan your ascent in first light to beat afternoon gusts common at this elevation. Footwear sturdy but sensitive to small edges will serve best. Hydration isn’t critical for this brief effort but always wise to carry water for the approach and return. Bear awareness is advised, given the region’s wildlife activity.

Poo Shoes doesn’t boast length or overwhelming difficulty, yet its purposeful moves and hybrid protection provide a rewarding experience that is both educational and gratifying, a jewel in the modest but varied Land’s End climbing collection.

Climber Safety

Although the bolt near the top offers solid protection, the lower section requires careful and confident cam placements in varied crack sizes. The ledge where you mantle is small, so keep your balance and avoid any loose rock during the move. Watch for changing weather and wildlife in this region.

Route Details

TypeTrad, Sport
Pitches1
Length35 feet

Local Tips

Start climbing early to enjoy warmer rock and avoid afternoon winds.

Wear shoes with a sensitive sole to capitalize on small footholds.

Bring water for the approach and plan for wildlife encounters.

Inspect your gear placements carefully; some cams require precise fitting in this wall’s varied cracks.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 rating feels accurate but leans toward the upper end of the grade. The mantle move near the bolt demands careful technique and is the route’s main crux. Compared to other Grand Mesa climbs, Poo Shoes blends traditional gear challenges with sport security, making it a reliable test of technique for intermediate climbers.

Gear Requirements

Carry cam protection from 0.75" to 2.0" to cover all placements, along with a quickdraw for the single bolt near the top. Nuts or small cams augment security through the initial face and stem moves.

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Tags

trad
sport
face climb
stem moves
bolt
short
technical