In many respects The Stumbling Block is a terrific crag, if only the approach were more user friendly. The routes face South and South-East, so the crag does well in the summer months, and can be quite cool in the winter. The rock is exceptional by Clear Creek standards being very, very solid. Presently, there are enough routes to keep a party busy for a day, but there is nothing moderate in place. What it does have, however, are some of the best routes in Clear Creek Canyon.
Getting There
About a quarter of a mile up stream after leaving tunnel one, the road takes a curve to the right. At just this point look up hill to the right, the North side of the canyon. The Stumbling Block is the crag on the right boasting a gorgeous yellow wall. Park on the South side and find a rough drainage with a steep trail. The trail heads directly up hill for several hundred yards before cutting due West to the crag. Be ever vigilant. Anything that you kick off the trail will hit the road. The whole slope is steep and still has a fair amount scree lying around.
L->R:
A. Gneiss Coverage, 11, 1p, gear. B. Sabaki, 11, 1p, 40', gear. above C. Decoletage, 12, 1p, gear. C. Naked Kill, 12+ R, 1p, gear & bolts. D. Razor Blade Titillation, 11+, 1p, 70', bolts & gear. E1. Battle's End, 12+, 1p, 80', gear & bolts. E2. Lips Against the Steel, 11, bolts & gear.
F. Fickle Finger of Fate, 8 X, 1p.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for The Stumbling Block:
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