HomeClimbingPost Office Crack

Post Office Crack

Telluride, Colorado United States
chimney
crack climb
multi-pitch
helmet recommended
moderate difficulty
loose rock
long runners
Colorado trad
Length: 500 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
4
Location
Post Office Crack
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Post Office Crack offers a classic trad climbing experience on the Ophir Wall, blending solid chimney and crack climbing with just enough loose rock to keep your helmet on. Perfect for climbers seeking moderate multi-pitch adventure with a straightforward approach near Telluride."

Post Office Crack

Post Office Crack stands as a practical beacon on the rugged Ophir Wall, a climb that channels the essence of traditional climbing with a straightforward, accessible edge. The route tracks a prominent chimney system located just to the right of Ophir Wall’s center, rising directly above the historic Ophir Post Office. Although the post office acts as a handy reference point, climbers should avoid approaching from directly behind it due to private property. Instead, access begins at a discreet parking pullout a short walk west. Once engaged, the climb delivers a layered experience that blends clean crack climbing with moments that challenge your composure amid loose rock, making a helmet indispensable.

The first pitch covers roughly 150 feet of pure crack and chimney climbing with solid holds and reliable protection placements, drawing many to opt for just this pitch as a warm-up or standalone outing. A squeeze section about 80 feet in demands attention and serves as the route’s technical crux. After the chimney exit, an anchor perch can be found on a spacious ledge to the right, perfect for setting a belay or preparing to continue. The upper three pitches, each ranging from 100 to 120 feet, weave through a patchwork of hand cracks, corners, and a notable large roof that looks imposing but eases with steady technique. Loose sections appear here and there—this route requires both respect and vigilance. Pitch two culminates near old webbing in a corner, which can be backed up with cams for peace of mind.

The climb's progression favors steady, moderate moves clustered mostly in the 5.8 range, with the final pitch easing back to about 5.7 as you transition up a broad corner. While the rock quality dips higher up, the varied terrain keeps the focus practical and engaging. Descending demands attention; climbers face a rightward traverse of approximately 80 feet to reach a bolted rap station. Four raps in all are necessary, and a double rope setup is essential to get back safely. The route offers solid training for traditional climbing techniques and route-finding while providing a satisfying day out in Colorado’s high country. Timing your climb to avoid the harsh afternoon sun rewards you with cleaner rock and a more pleasant approach.

Post Office Crack’s accessible location near Telluride places it within reach for climbers seeking a solid multi-pitch adventure without committing to the extremely technical or remote. Protective gear requirements skew towards a full set of cams and stoppers, with some versatility for longer runners to negotiate tricky placements in cracks and corners. With scenic views of Ophir’s steep cliffs and the quiet buzz of alpine wilderness, this route balances excitement with practicality, making it a worthy choice for those ready to test themselves within a textured, traditional route offering both challenge and charm.

Climber Safety

Loose blocks on the upper pitches require constant helmet use and careful hand and foot placements. The descent involves multiple long rappels that demand solid anchor-building skills and knowledge of bolted stations. Wind and weather can change quickly, so stay alert and avoid late-day climbs when rockfall risk increases.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches4
Length500 feet

Local Tips

Avoid accessing from behind the post office to respect private property—use the west-side pullout for parking.

The first pitch is by far the cleanest and a good day out on its own.

Set your belay at an anchor near the large ledge after pitch one if you want to break up the climb.

Prepare for four rappels on descent—two ropes are essential.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 rating firmly indicates moderate technical demands without excessive difficulty, making it inviting for climbers comfortable with traditional protection. The squeeze section on pitch one adds a memorable crux that feels just right—not overly stiff but a clear moment to focus. The following pitches ease back toward 5.7, with some route-finding required through loose terrain, adding an element of cautious adventure. Compared to other routes on Ophir Wall, Post Office Crack sits on the approachable end of the scale, making it a solid choice to build multi-pitch confidence.

Gear Requirements

Bring a full set of stoppers and double cams, with a few long runners to ease rope drag and secure tricky spots. A larger cam can be helpful but isn’t mandatory. Don’t forget a helmet for the loose rock sections.

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Tags

chimney
crack climb
multi-pitch
helmet recommended
moderate difficulty
loose rock
long runners
Colorado trad