HomeClimbingPump You Up

Pump You Up: A Wild 80-Foot Trad Challenge on North Table Mountain

Golden, Colorado United States
crack climbing
bulge crux
small pro
single pitch
exposed
Colorado trad
Length: 80 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Pump You Up
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Pump You Up is a compact trad climb on North Table Mountain’s Twelve Pack Wall, offering a sharp blend of perfect jams and a technical bulge crux. This 80-foot route demands thoughtful sequence and solid gear placements, perfect for climbers seeking a brisk but rewarding Colorado challenge."

Pump You Up: A Wild 80-Foot Trad Challenge on North Table Mountain

Pump You Up offers a focused burst of climbing energy on the Twelve Pack Wall, demanding both finesse and grit from those who take it on. Situated roughly 20 feet to the right of the Chunky Monkey arête, the route greets climbers with two parallel cracks, the right one tracing an undulating “S” shape for about 40 feet. Your fingers lock into perfect jams here, setting a rhythmic pace before the terrain tightens into a bulging roof that tests your sequence and nerve. Negotiation at this bulge pulses with options: tackle it head-on with precise moves or skirt right then swing left over the top, adding a playful variation to the challenge. Protection tightens at this crux, where a well-placed blue Alien (3/8") cam can provide security, but overall gear placement requires good judgment and attention. Beyond the bulge, a corner leads you up to a ledge spotted with loose rock, demanding careful steps and focus. The final stretch moves slightly left onto the last two bolts from Chunky Monkey, finishing at bolted anchors that reward your controlled effort. Overall, this 80-foot single pitch climbs through a dynamic line that balances technical crack climbing with the thrill of an exposed bulge, making it a perfect choice for trad climbers craving a short, intense push on solid Colorado stone. The Twelve Pack Wall surroundings provide an open, rugged feel typical of North Table Mountain’s Golden Cliffs area, where the rock’s warmth and the dry mountain air set an ideal scene for an afternoon ascent. Prepare with small cams up to 1 inch and small stoppers, plus slings and a couple of quickdraws for the bolted finish. Keep your shoes snug, your fingers ready, and your mind alert—Pump You Up doesn’t waste time, and neither should you.

Climber Safety

Loose rock scattered on the ledge above the bulge requires caution—maintain three points of contact and test holds carefully. Protection through the bulge is thin, meaning a fall here could be serious; ensure your gear placements are secure before committing to tricky moves.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length80 feet

Local Tips

Start by locking into the two parallel cracks; the right crack’s S-shape helps set your rhythm.

At the bulge, consider skirt-right-then-left for a smoother sequence if the direct approach feels stiff.

Watch closely for loose rock on the ledge above the bulge; careful footwork is essential here.

Double-check gear placements before the bulge, as protection options narrow and fall potential increases.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9-
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9- rating sits comfortably for climbers familiar with sustained crack sequences, though the bulge crux adds a short but demanding test that can bump the effort level. The grade feels fair with solid technique; it’s a bit softer than some nearby tougher routes but demands clean jamming and clever movement through the bulge. Pump You Up is comparable to other stout 5.9 classics in the Golden area, offering a precise challenge without overwhelming the climber.

Gear Requirements

Bring a rack of small cams up to 1 inch, small stoppers, a handful of slings, and a couple of quickdraws for the finish. Protection is tight through the bulge, so precise placements, especially a 3/8" blue Alien in the left crack, will boost confidence.

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Tags

crack climbing
bulge crux
small pro
single pitch
exposed
Colorado trad