Rock Climbing – Clear Creek Canyon, CO

Emma, Juin, and Clare Happy at High Wire

It was very cold Sunday morning, but that didn’t stop Emma & I from meeting Steve, Juin, and Kris in Golden, CO for some sport climbing!
Kris Throwing a Leg Over Pony Up (5.8)


We lazed about for an hour at the bagel shop, waiting for the temps to rise 10 degrees, enough for me, to a balmy 45 dF.

We piled into Steve’s X-Terra and raced through the canyon. We were vehicle number 2 in the pullout (better than last month!). There was a guy fly fishing the creek, but other than that…we didn’t see a soul.

We got our climbing gear out, and started hiking to the crag. I must admit I was walking with a heavy heart. It was eerily misty out, and I could nearly see my breath. I wondered if I could climb the mods with my gloves on, as I would need to be wearing something to keep my digits warm.

Juin, Steve, and Emma Fight the Cold at High Wire Crag

We made it to the Stone Cold Moderate Alcove, and in about 15 minutes (just as we were preparing to climb), the sun popped out of the mist. The wall started soaking up the rays, and by the time I was climbing, I could feel the heat radiating off the rock. My fingers actually felt *warmer* holding the rock!

Clare Leading Stone Cold Moderate (5.7)

Juin Working Crux of Stone Cold Moderat (5.7)
We climbed Stone Cold Moderate (5.7), first. Emma & Juin got a lesson in rappelling. It was a Emma’s first time rapping, and Juin’s first day for everything! They both did very well, rapping is scary!

After SCM, Kris put up Cracker Jack (5.9). This is a long climb, with an interesting crux move about 20 feet off the deck. Kris negotiated the crux moves and finished the climb with ease. Steve gave it a whirl next, and then it was my turn.

I was happy the draws were already hung, as I could easily make the 3rd clip. But, now that I know the moves, I’m sure I could do it. I’m happy to report, my back did not hurt as I made the cranky moves. I am finally on the mend!

By the time we finished Cracker Jack, throngs of people were arriving. Apparently, they received the memo about the change in weather (the sun coming out really changed things!). We took a little break, and decided to head over to the Pony Up climb.

I wanted to lead it because I didn’t lead it last time we were there. It was just as much fun as I remembered it…

Emma Starting Pony Up (5.8)
Emma Trying the Challenging Start to Pony Up (5.8)

Juin Steps Into Pony Up (5.8)
Juin Climbs with Finesse Through the Crux of Pony Up (5.8)

We all got a chance to climb Pony Up (5.8), before the weather started acting up again. The mist came back, and it was raining even though there weren’t any clouds! People disappeared as quickly as they arrived, I mean the place *cleared* out!

We packed our things up, and did the treacherous 4th class descent back to the pullout. Here’s Steve helping Juin down safely:
Steve Helps Juin Down Treacherous 4th Class Approach
Treacherous Downclimb from High Wire

At the end of the day, I had just enough time to get to REI’s garage sale. I scored a pair of X-country ski’s & bindings for 37 bucks! Woo-hoo!!!

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