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Puppy Love

5.12a R, Sport,  Avg: 2.5 from 28 votes
FA: Rob Candelaria
Colorado > Rifle > Rifle Mtn Park > Winchester Cave

Description

This is the route immediately right of the mega-classic Ricochet on the tall, vertical wall above the talus field as you approach the Winchester Cave. It's not as good as Richochet and doesn't see much traffic; nevertheless, it's a cool, vertical excursion on varied stone.

Start in the overhanging, obtuse corner and fire bouldery moves past a pair of hard clips to gain the vertical face above. Most of the serious-type climbing is up on this face, with the occasional run-out on 5.10 territory and the potential for some ledgy falls should you blow it. Beware of loose holds and a coating of lichen/dust on the rock, as this route runs seasonally with water.

Protection

10-12 quickdraws and a 60 meter rope.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Richard M. Wright
Lakewood, CO
[Hide Comment] I would second Matt's use of the "s" rating and give Puppy Love credit for interesting and challenging climbing. While it has been several years since I have been on PL, my recollection is that the run-outs occur largely in the upper half of the route and are on 5.10 climbing. A little more traffic would solve any remaining lichen issues, however, one can also carry a small brush and contribute a bit to the cleaning. Nov 29, 2001
Richard Border
Boulder, CO
  5.12a
[Hide Comment] This route seems underrated popularity-wise and overrated difficulty/safety-wise--I'd say 12a PG-13. Basically felt like Richochet, with a burly overhanging start and without Richochet's face cruxes, albeit on dirtier rock with a couple extra ledges. Definitely fun and worth doing, especially considering that there's often a line for its neighbor. Would be even better with more traffic. You probably want to stick clip the first bolt or two. Jul 25, 2016
Michael Schneiter
Glenwood Springs, CO
 
[Hide Comment] This was rebolted with glue-ins and anchors updated during the 2023 Rendezspew with hardware provided by the Rifle Climbers Coalition. Please consider donating to help maintain hardware in the canyon: rifleclimbers.org/donate/. Oct 1, 2023
Slurm Charmsworth IV
EUREKA, CA
 
[Hide Comment] The R seems a bit histrionic in my humble opinion. Oct 21, 2023