Pulmonary Pain presents a compact but rewarding trad climb that challenges your route-finding skills and hands-on protection placement on Colorado’s Quarantine Wall. Located in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, this route threads up a steep buttress where the terrain demands both steady technique and tactical decision-making. The initial moves require a bit of scouting — starting from the left flank offers an easier, more gradual approach, while the direct line up the headwall packs more punch at 5.8 difficulty, rewarding climbers with directness but a stiffer challenge. Once past the first steep section, climbers move into a corner system rated 5.4, providing a breather with solid holds and comfortable placements.

The heart of Pulmonary Pain is the corner which ascends at 5.7—a pitch that offers textured rock and subtle hand jams that test balance and footwork. As you near the summit, a choice unfolds: stay on the direct line or veer left on a face adorned with finger cracks. Both options push difficulty back to 5.8, inviting you to rely on varied crack climbing techniques to secure your ascent. The exposure grows here—not in height, given its modest 20-foot length—but in the climb’s complexity and the need for smart protection.

A scramble over scattered boulders culminates at a solid anchor rated 5.2, where the route eases and offers welcome relief. This short pitch is deceptively simple but doesn’t alleviate the need for focused climbing in the earlier sections. Expect to bring a standard trad rack with cams up to #3 and a variety of smaller nuts and cams to adapt to the varied crack sizes found along the climb.

Quarantine Wall itself is a quiet segment within Dude’s Throne, a smaller formation renowned for its rugged granite and clean lines. The rock here feels raw and unpolished, promising an authentic mountain experience without the crowds that frequently swarm the Front Range’s more popular spots. After brushing and cleaning by locals, Pulmonary Pain may warrant a two-star rating as its protection opportunities and movement quality shine.

Approach is moderate, weaving through forested trails of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The area’s pine-scented air and the occasional bird call keep your senses sharp while you prep your gear and mentally map your climb. This is a reliable day trip for climbers in the Denver metro area seeking steep, technical challenges that don’t require a long haul or multi-pitch logistics.

For safety, pay close attention to rock quality especially on the starting headwall and the transition sections—the route demands active route management and careful placement of gear. Loose rock and crumbly sections have been noted, so test every hold and piece of protection before weighting it. The route's short length is deceptive; it packs an intensity that rewards precision over endurance, a perfect test for climbers looking to sharpen their trad skills in an accessible setting.