Climbing The Bastille Crack: A Vertical Test Piece in Eldorado Canyon

The Bastille Crack in Eldorado Canyon isn’t just a climb—it’s a statement. Rising boldly from the canyon floor, this sandstone masterpiece cuts a vertical path through time itself, challenging climbers to face its audacious exposure and cunning moves.

The approach feels deceptively serene, with South Boulder Creek murmuring nearby and golden grasses shifting in the wind. But as you reach the base, the Bastille’s presence hits you—a sharp, imposing monolith with a crack that snakes upward like a dare.

The first pitch greets you with a false sense of security. The crack is wide and welcoming, the holds obvious. Yet with every move, the canyon seems to expand beneath you. Soon, you’re suspended between sky and stone, the ground a distant memory. The air feels thinner here, charged with adrenaline and the sharp realization that this climb requires absolute focus. The traverse on the third pitch tightens the stakes—a horizontal leap of faith across the Bastille’s face, the rock demanding precision and daring in equal measure.

At the summit, the reward is more than a view—it’s a moment of shared history. You stand where countless climbers have before, staring out at the sunlit expanse of Eldorado Canyon. The crack has tested you, and the wind carries the unspoken acknowledgment of your ascent.

Adventure Guide to the Bastille Crack

• Where: Eldorado Canyon State Park, ~20 minutes from Boulder, CO.
• Route Details:
  • Grade: 5.7 Trad
  • Length: 350 feet (4 pitches)
  • Gear: Standard trad rack, 60m rope, extra slings for extending placements.
  • Features: Wide crack start, thrilling traverse on pitch three, and exposed but rewarding summit.
• Timing: Early mornings or cooler seasons (spring/fall) provide the best conditions.

Driving Directions: Take CO-93 south from Boulder to CO-170 and follow signs to Eldorado Springs. The park entrance is minutes from the climb’s base. Arrive early to secure parking.

Climbing the Bastille Crack isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about the connection you forge with the stone, the canyon, and your own courage.