vrAin't No Big Thing carves a mostly moderate and sustained line in the South Fork of St. Vrain Canyon near Lyons, Colorado, offering climbers a straightforward yet engaging experience along a rarely documented route. This single-pitch climb, approximately 130 feet high, gently links existing established routes while introducing roughly 10% new terrain that blends seamlessly into the crag’s rhythm. Starting from the same 5.9- variation on Red Fox, you move beneath a sturdy juniper tree, feeling the rough bark brush close as you step left into a left-facing corner, climbing about 20 feet to its top. Rather than crossing left on the ledge to join Red Fox’s familiar cracks, vrAin't No Big Thing breaks up and right, where you navigate through stacked, stable blocks into the main right-facing corner at the center of this wall.

The climb gains character here, with a well-sized pine tree (roughly 22 inches in circumference) growing from the corner’s face. Sling this tree with a long loop to reduce rope drag and continue past to the top of this corner section (rated 5.8+). Protection is delicate but reliable, requiring a few solid placements as you move up a thin crack set into a slab beneath a bulky roof feature. Moving carefully, place cams in the 2 to 2.5-inch range on extended slings to mitigate line friction before reaching a horizontal crack.

From this point, you traverse right beneath the overhanging bulge on slabby feet, utilizing firm handholds that anchor your movement, before intercepting the top crack of the adjacent Vrain Dead route on the left. The climb finishes with easier terrain (5.7) as you negotiate the bulge with some small cams or stoppers protecting your moves until you arrive at a two-bolt anchor perched atop the crag.

Descending requires a careful rappel, ideally with a 70-meter rope to make it in a single shot, but rappelling to a right-side ledge and scrambling down is a viable option if your rope is short. The line’s blend of moderate climbing and interesting route-finding keeps it accessible yet invigorating, especially for climbers familiar with the subtle nuances of trad climbing’s balance between protection and fluid movement.

This variation shines for those wanting a connected experience that challenges your gear placement skills and movement judgment while avoiding overly technical cruxes. The rock is solid and offers a consistent texture, with the pine tree and varied crack systems giving the route distinct character. Timing your climb during morning hours is ideal to avoid direct afternoon sun on the steep, southeast-facing wall.

Gear-wise, a single set of nuts complemented by cams up to 3 inches is sufficient, with longer slings recommended to ease drag around the zig-zag sections. The approach is straightforward, taking a well-trafficked trail into the South Fork area before a brief scramble to the base. This climb is a practical choice for trad climbers looking to explore unique lines that feel fresh without demanding extreme difficulty.

From the quiet forest edge to the sun-dappled slab under your feet, vrAin't No Big Thing invites you to engage with the rock’s subtle dialogue. It’s a hands-on experience, demanding both focus and a light touch, rewarded by confident moves and a satisfying summit view of the St. Vrain Canyons landscape.