HomeClimbingSport Route 1

Sport Route 1 at Bullet Hole Boulder

Grand Junction, Colorado United States
sport climbing
shade
short route
single pitch
beginner friendly
Length: 25 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Sport Route 1
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Sport Route 1 invites climbers to engage a short, steady 25-foot climb on Bullet Hole Boulder. With minimal gear and shaded rock for much of the day, it’s a convenient test of technique in the Grand Junction area’s vibrant climbing scene."

Sport Route 1 at Bullet Hole Boulder

Sport Route 1 offers a concise but rewarding climb on the leftmost face of Bullet Hole Boulder, located in the Grand Junction area of Colorado. Spanning just 25 feet, this single-pitch sport route provides a straightforward ascent with three well-placed quickdraws leading to a secure two-bolt anchor atop. The route’s positioning ensures it remains shaded for much of the day, a welcome reprieve from the strong western sun typical of Colorado’s high desert environment. The rock feels solid underfoot, with enough texture to maintain confident foot placements as you move upward.

This climb is ideal for those seeking a short yet engaging challenge that fits perfectly into a half-day climbing excursion around Grand Junction. The approach to Bullet Hole Boulder is accessible without strenuous hiking, setting the stage for a quick warm-up or a sharp limit test for beginners working their way up 5.9 moves. With minimal gear needed, this climb eliminates the complexity of traditional protection placements and keeps the focus on movement and technique.

Despite its brevity, Sport Route 1 demands focus, especially around the crux where positioning your body to clip the last quickdraw smoothly can momentarily test your balance and strength. The moderate rating of 5.9- is approachable but precise, making it a great choice for climbers sharpening their sport skills or visitors eager to experience Colorado’s diverse climbing terrain without committing to lengthy overhead missions.

Visitors should plan to bring shoes with good edging capabilities given the compact nature of the climb. Hydrating well before setting out is advised, as Grand Junction’s dry climate can sneak up on climbers, even on cooler days spent in the boulder's shade. Early morning or late afternoon ascents optimize temperature and lighting conditions, allowing for more enjoyable rests between attempts.

Whether you're here for quick fun or adding to your route list, Sport Route 1 at Bullet Hole Boulder balances approachability with genuine climbing satisfaction. The secure bolts ensure safety, while the natural setting on the outskirts of the Colorado high desert offers sweeping views and a quiet break from urban life. Your next climb could start here, with solid beta and a manageable challenge designed to get you moving and exploring the unique character of rock climbing in this part of the American west.

Climber Safety

While well-protected, be cautious when clipping the last quickdraw to avoid overextending or losing balance on the smaller holds. The rock is solid but remains dry and sun-exposed during midday, increasing heat and potential for slips.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length25 feet

Local Tips

Climb early or late in the day to enjoy the shade and cooler temperatures.

Bring climbing shoes with strong edging for the small footholds.

Hydrate well—Grand Junction’s dry climate can be deceptive.

Approach is short and straightforward; no technical hiking required.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9-
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9- rating on Sport Route 1 feels accurate and approachable, with a slight crux near the upper quickdraw that requires careful foot placement and body positioning. This grade is ideal for climbers transitioning into sport climbing or those refining their technique without committing to longer climbs. Compared to other local routes, it sits comfortably on the easier end of the spectrum but offers a satisfying movement puzzle.

Gear Requirements

Three quickdraws suffice for this route, leading to a two-bolt anchor at the top, making gear management simple and efficient.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Sport Route 1 and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

sport climbing
shade
short route
single pitch
beginner friendly