"To the Ends of the Earth is a concise, single-pitch sport climb in Clear Creek Canyon that offers a smooth balance of mellow movement and a steep, technical finish. Its well-protected bolts and accessible terrain make it a solid choice for climbers sharpening their 5.9 skills."
To the Ends of the Earth offers an approachable yet engaging sport climb tucked into the rugged outcrops of Clear Creek Canyon, just outside Golden, Colorado. This one-pitch route stretches 50 feet up a compact wall, rewarding climbers with a steady progression from relaxed movement to a challenging finish. The climb begins with generous, welcoming holds inside a small left-facing corner, inviting you to explore the limits of your balance and technique by venturing slightly rightward—a subtle cheat that adds personal rhythm to the ascent. As you close in on the top, the wall steepens noticeably. Here, incut holds demand careful hand placements and deliberate footwork, pushing climbers to maintain control as the route finishes boldly under the overhang.
Clear Creek Canyon’s landscape frames this climb with a gritty energy, its sunlit granite gleaming under the Colorado sky. The approach is direct, threading through sparse brush and rocky paths, making it accessible for climbers ready to get on the rock without a long hike. The bolts are well spaced and reliable, offering solid protection through every move, anchored by a two-bolt chain anchor that ensures a safe and manageable rappel or walk-off. This route is ideally suited for climbers working their way through the 5.9 range, offering both a taste of the sport climbing style common here and a chance to hone skills on clean faces and corners.
While the climb holds a modest star rating, it serves as a dependable test of technique and mental focus, especially during the overhanging finish. The compact nature of the route means it's a great option when time is limited yet quality climbing is desired. Summer mornings bring an ideal balance of shade and warmth on this west-facing wall, making early starts particularly rewarding before the sun fully heats the rock. Visitors should come prepared with sturdy climbing shoes that provide solid edging, a harness compatible with single-pitch sport climbs, and plenty of water to beat the dry Colorado air.
Overall, To the Ends of the Earth welcomes climbers eager to connect directly with the rock’s nuanced texture and flow. The canyon’s rugged charm and easily accessible terrain provide a practical and refreshing climbing experience, blending the spirit of adventure with a clear focus on solid technique and safety.
Be cautious on the finishing moves where the wall overhangs; slips can be more consequential here despite solid bolt spacing. The chain anchor is secure but check for any wear and be sure your rappel device is properly set up. Avoid climbing in wet conditions as the rock can become slick, especially on the corner section.
Start early to enjoy cooler temps and avoid midday heat on this west-facing wall.
Wear shoes with solid edging to confidently handle incut holds during the finish.
Hydrate well before the climb, as the area can dry out quickly in summer months.
Double-check your anchor and rappel setup; while straightforward, the two-bolt chain anchor is critical for a safe descent.
The route is protected by eight bolts evenly placed along the climb, culminating in a reliable two-bolt chain anchor. Bring quickdraws for all bolts, and a rope suitable for a 50-foot pitch. A standard sport climbing rack will cover this climb comfortably.
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