Carving a striking line up Leadville’s Slab from Hell, Taliban Blues stakes its claim as a compelling three-pitch trad climb that balances technical slab moves with powerful crack climbing. From the base, the route greets you with a slab that demands calm feet and focused balance as you ascend toward the first bolt. The initial moves require a deliberate stretch, reaching left to latch onto a flake that teases confidence but challenges your positioning. Above that, bolts guide you into a widening splitter crack that beckons fingers to fists—its clean, sharp edges promise a tactile connection, though occasional patches of vegetation remind you this wall favors quieter traffic.

Leaving the first anchor well behind, advance 20 feet higher to set up your belay in a more commanding spot—this extension isn’t just vertical gain but an invitation to fully engage with the character of the rock. Pitch two continues along a bolt-protected edge where exposure unfolds generously, especially as the cliffside drops steeply into a shadowy gully to your right. The open air here sharpens your senses, making every move feel charged yet measured. You can choose to end at the obvious belay or string together an ambitious 200-foot lead that will test your stamina and mental focus.

The final pitch intensifies with steeper angles and a choice of lines, letting you pick your path where bolts punctuate the face. The rock’s texture grows more featured, rewarding precise footwork and confident hand placements. By the time you reach the top, you'll have earned panoramic views that stretch across the rugged expanse around Hagerman Pass.

Descent requires careful planning—two single-rope rappels bring you back to the upper belay, followed by a final rappel to the ground using a 70-meter rope if you thread down the right spot. Shorter ropes might mean negotiating an additional rappel into the gully to the climber’s right, so attention to anchors and rope length is critical.

Protection demands a well-rounded rack: twelve quickdraws for the bolts peppering the pitches paired with a single set of cams ranging from finger to fist size to confidently secure the crack sections. This gear recipe allows you to navigate the mixed demands of the climb safely and efficiently.

Taliban Blues occupies a remote pocket of Leadville’s boulder-strewn ridges, where granite tells a story of resilience. The scenic draw isn’t just the climbing itself; the surrounding landscape breaks into wild, wide-open air that inspires a quiet sense of accomplishment after every pitch. It’s a route that rewards steady focus and respect for the subtle shifts in rock quality and exposure.

For those headed to Slab from Hell, timing your climb to mornings ensures the rock warms enough for solid friction without baking under the unforgiving sun. Afternoon shadows make the gully’s depth more pronounced, casting cool relief but requiring sharp eye contact with your anchors. The rock’s slabby nature keeps routes sober and precise—expect moves that demand footwork over brute strength.

Taliban Blues strikes a balance: challenging yet approachable at 5.9-, it feels slightly stiff for those unfamiliar with slab but remains a satisfying introduction to sustained multi-pitch trad climbing in Colorado’s high country. Compared to other local classics, it offers a welcome blend of bolt protection and traditional placements, allowing climbers to mix strategies and hone crack skills in one outing.

Whether you’re pushing grade limits or savoring a day of technical movement and alpine atmosphere, Taliban Blues promises a full-bodied experience—calm your mind, gear up thoughtfully, and let the route test your senses on this distinctive slab face.