With fingers clinging to sandstone and eyes locked upward, this climber scales the iconic Bastille Crack—one of the most legendary trad routes in North America. Captured mid-ascent on the sheer face of the Bastille in Eldorado Canyon State Park, this breathtaking image embodies the heart and soul of Boulder’s climbing culture: bold, gritty, and awe-inspiring.

The Bastille Crack, first climbed in the 1950s, has become a rite of passage for climbers across the globe. Rated at 5.7, it may sound approachable, but the exposure, commitment, and old-school flair make it a true classic—not just in Colorado, but worldwide. The route climbs nearly 350 vertical feet up the Bastille’s imposing north face, offering five pitches of sustained cracks, laybacks, and technical footwork that demand everything a climber has—mentally and physically.

Eldorado Canyon, just 20 minutes from downtown Boulder, is a granite cathedral for climbers, with over 500 routes ranging from beginner-friendly to elite-level test pieces. But the Bastille Crack stands out. Its visibility from the park entrance makes it an iconic challenge, often with a waiting line at the base on sunny weekends. It’s not just a climb—it’s a piece of climbing history.

Fun Facts about the Bastille Crack:

• It was one of the first climbs in Eldo to gain national attention, helping put the canyon on the climbing map.

• The name “Bastille” comes from the formation’s resemblance to the famous French prison.

• Despite being rated 5.7, many climbers say it feels harder due to the sustained nature and lack of rests.

• It’s frequently used for teaching trad placements and multipitch techniques—making it both an educational and spiritual climb.

For climbers visiting Boulder, tackling the Bastille Crack is a bucket list experience. It delivers not only technical challenges and jaw-dropping views over South Boulder Creek, but also a deep connection to climbing’s golden era.

As this stunning photo shows, the Bastille Crack isn’t just a climb—it’s a vertical journey through time, etched into one of the most storied walls in American climbing.

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