My climbing buddy, Johnson, and I decided to go on our own adventure the other day. Per usual, we were off to explore the South Platte climbing region of Colorado. One of the most revered climbing gems of Colorado. Granite dome, granite cracks and a wilderness feel that is hard to top are just some of the wonderous gifts that the South Platte has to offer.

Our destination put us in the Lost Creek Wilderness area. What a secluded and serene feeling this casted on our climbing day. We felt "out-there" and "alone" which can be difficult to find in some of the more popular (and populated) climbing locations of the Front Range.

Wigwam Dome was our destination. Our plan: crush the 2 mile hike in; then cruise the 5 pitch, 5.9- route, Trail of Tears. Now, I am not much of a prolific trad(itional) climber - I much prefer the ease and simplicity of clipping bolts. Johnson, however, has subscribed to and has a strong desire to return back to the roots of climbing: leave no indication that the rock was touched or traveled by human hands. Trail of Tears would feed this desire and prove to be an epiphanous route for all involved.

At the end of the (long) day, Johnson and I had nothing to complain about. The route had it all: laybacks, slab climbing, chimneying and even a spicy little runout.

Summit_Wigwam Dome