Ben Mottinger

[Hide Comment] An awesome route with a perfect crack for most of this long route. The grade is a little sandbagged IMO. Jan 1, 2001

Matt Bauman

[Hide Comment] I agree with Ben....led this yesterday and it felt like solid 5.9 to me. GREAT pitch with killer finger crack.....pumpy....funny how the Boulder climbs south calls this 5.9 but the new Eldo guide calls it 8+....#s don mean shit and regardless, this is a classic and wonderful pitch....Don miss it! Jan 1, 2001

George Bell Boulder, CO   5.9-

[Hide Comment] I do not understand why Rossiter downrated it either. I actually thought Bolting for Glory was almost easier than the top of Touch Go, because the cruxes on Bolting are over quickly. Jan 1, 2001

David Benson

[Hide Comment] This route is great for perfecting your stopper placements. I place a 2.5 friend in the traverse and then nuts for the rest of the route. At the top I felt bad about the first cam! [Definitely] solid (and then some) for the grade. Harder than quite a few Eldo 9s. Jan 1, 2001

Anonymous Coward

[Hide Comment] Touched & Went - I had to come to terms with this pitch: I tried T&G as one of my very first trad leads on an icy cold morning, fell from the roof with no pro and broke several bones. Nowadays, it is one of my favorite pitches, a perfect warmup for the hundreds of world-class routes that wait up the hill. But every time I reach for those fingerlocks in the upper dihedral, I shudder to think what would have happened to Mr. 5.9 gym climber if hed made it up that far on that morning. I think those wobbly, blown-out nut placements near the top could be rather disconcerting to a budding 5.8 (or 5.9, whatever) leader. Jan 1, 2001

Tyler Jones

[Hide Comment] What an amazing route! You don need two ropes IF you happen to have a 70m rope. I was able to get down just at the ends of the rope with a 70m alone. You sure are right though about stoppers... bring doubles in small and medium sizes and leave most of your cams in your pack. Jan 1, 2001

Anonymous Coward

[Hide Comment] This is a 5.8+ for those of you that are taller than 5 foot 7, but for those of us short women, it is a 5.11! That move is way hard to get if you are short, you just can't reach it! This climb definitely made me think there should be separate ratings for people shorter than 5 foot 7. : ) Nov 6, 2001

Anonymous Coward

[Hide Comment] An incredible pitch - maybe my favorite so far in Eldo. I totally agree with the note above, though - there's definitely a height issue for us short people! It's a totally different set of moves if you can't reach that nice little crack from the decent feet right after the traverse. My tall friends just don't understand... Watch a really short person climb it sometime if you don't know what I'm talking about. The rest of the climb, though, is absolutely terrific! I keep wanting to climb it in spite of the agony that the one height-requiring move puts me in. And, to be fair, being short might be an advantage for other parts of the climb... I found the rest of the climb easier than my taller friend did. Nov 12, 2001

rob.calm Loveland, CO

[Hide Comment] The route goes fine with a 50 m rope (I first climbed it with a 45 m rope_no problem). I enjoy doing it as 2 pitches_better communication, no rope drag. The first belay stance is at the bolts just below the beginning of the upper dihedral. When rappelling with a single rope from the top, use these lower bolts as the second stance. Also, just before passing the roof at the start, there is a hole in the rock that can be easily slung for secure protection. May 16, 2002

Anonymous Coward

[Hide Comment] Lynn Hill is 5'2" no pity for short people from me. Keep in mind that some (very few) routes are easier for short than for taller people like myself. Learn to do the route your own way. use technique and strength to work around what taller people just reach to. Quit whining May 30, 2002

Bryson Slothower Portland, OR

[Hide Comment] The 1st couple of times I did this route I had problems with stoppers pulling out on me just above the ledge in the upper dihedral (I always do it as one pitch). I would get sketched out because I was near the crux and my stoppers were popping out because of the way the rope was bending. Now I put a long sling on the bolt anchor where you would stop if doing this as two pitches and have not had any problems because the bolt takes all of the upward pull instead of my gear. It seemes inobvious becaue the bolts are below the ramp you walk across, maybe I'm just a slow learner.... Jun 11, 2002

Hayden Yurkanis

[Hide Comment] Do you guys really think this is 5.9----I led the Green Spur the other day and thought it was quite a bit harder than Touch and Go. Jun 22, 2002

Ron Olsen Boulder, CO   5.8+

[Hide Comment] If you have one rope, an easier rappel descent can be made by traversing over to the main wall by Anthill Direct and downclimbing a bit to the bolt anchor atop the second pitch of Redguard Route. Two rappels will put you at the start of Redguard. This is much easier than doing two rappels down Touch 'n Go, since the second rappel lies well left of the first and is somewhat awkward to get to. I like to gear up at a little shaded area below and right of the start, avoiding the mess and muck oozing from the spring by the base of the climb. I protect the first crux (cranking left around the roof) by threading a Rabbit Runner through a hole. Aug 8, 2002

Bill Wright

[Hide Comment] Another alternate way to rappel this route with one rope, is to climb up and left to the rappel anchors mid-way up to the start of the Naked Edge. This is sort of hard to describe, but it is up and left for sixty feet or so and is on top of a big boulder. From here, you rappel down to the anchors at the top of the first pitch of T2 and then to the ground. An additional advantage is that you can now toprope the dangerous, difficult, and very cool start to T2. I think you need a 60-meter rope to do this. Bill Aug 9, 2002

Ernie Port Boulder, Colorado

[Hide Comment] Did this as a Sept. 11th tribute climb. [Definitely] feel its a classic and a sand bagged 8+. Agree with those who feel its more 9ish. Felt it to be a harder lead than The Unsaid which is 9. The flake above the first crux is wonderful finger crack climbing. I felt the 2nd crux, high on the dihedral requires a small cam like an alien, which I didn't have, but I did find a stopper placement in a small crack out near the edge on the opposite left face at that point. It wasn't super solid, but it worked. Next time I'll bring doubles of #3-6 stoppers and either a yellow or green alien (or both) for that upper dihedral. Do this climb...it rocks! Sep 11, 2002

Ben Mottinger

[Hide Comment] In Rossiter's newest Eldo book, he describes two variations to the start of T&G. Both start to the right of the standard route. The first, takes a L-arcing flake on the right, which takes good gear (8) and another one in the R-facing dihedral on the left side. Rossiter says that the second variation is 9s, but I found it to be reasonably-well protected with some small stoppers and cams and only about 5.7+ or so. Maybe I'm missing something, but the topo in the book shows exactly what I had to climb to free a stuck rope at the top of those variations. I don't think either variation could be considered any harder than 5.8. Anyone else find the book's rating an error? Sep 19, 2002

Anonymous Coward

[Hide Comment] I feel that the left-arching start is height and power dependant. The first 2 times I did the route it was with partners no taller than 5'4" (and female) and their problem was reach. I also found that as a fairly strong guy that I was able to brute my way over a few more technical moves.If you don't have the power to skip some bad holds, or can't reach past them, the rating will feel like 5.8 or 5.9 for the first pitch.-Tony Bubb Sep 20, 2002

Ernie Port Boulder, Colorado

[Hide Comment] I agree with Tony that reach and power is essential in pulling the 1st crux since there's no obvious feet placements at that corner...thats how I did it too. However, I watched a guy pull it with a sequence where he stuck the right foot way up high in the hand crack and pushed off on that to get through it. Flexibility & technique can overcome wingspan limitations there. Sep 21, 2002

James Balasalle

[Hide Comment] I really liked this climb. I thought the traverse at the bottom would have to be poweful and favor albatross-like people as well. But after closer inspection i was able to put my right foot high up near the hand traverse and push off that (like Ernie described above). This helped me a lot. I can't wait to lead this one too.... Sep 30, 2002

George Bell Boulder, CO   5.9-

[Hide Comment] Ugh! I led this today and the climb seems only to get harder with age (mine, that is). I have never had much trouble with the lower half, but the upper crux is difficult for me. Sep 18, 2003

Anonymous Coward

[Hide Comment] The high crux on this route can be intimidating. I led this several weeks ago myself (last time was a few years ago) to start Anthill Direct. I forgot that you can't get any decent pro in right at the crux and I just blew off some devious but possible placements and just blasted up to "the stance." Then I stood there and fidgeted and fidgeted, and chalked and rechalked, and sweated, and lamented my haste, and eyed my last piece way down below, and cursed my cowardice, and considered how Layton Kor, or Royal Robbins would laugh at my fear of a simple unprotected 5.8+ move. Finally I just got mad at myself and pulled through it. Okay, great! Now I'm at the wider crack above, all tingly with adrenaline and fighting the boogie man in my head that was incessantly whispering "you're going to pass out and fall a bazillion feet, why did you climb up here in the first place you fool," while frantically trying to weave in a stopper, when I hear a buzzing, and wasps begin to emerge from the crack and swirl around my face. I quickly clipped the stopper and then moved up to the belay, cringing, with my eyes closed, and teeth clinched, expecting the sting any minute that never came. All that pain, all that hideous suffering and high drama - and my partner gets to the belay and just says, "that was nice." Sep 19, 2003

Ernie Port Boulder, Colorado

[Hide Comment] A blue alien fits perfectly in the eye level pocket at the upper crux. I do a layback using that little pocket and then stem wide to a small face out right to get enough height to reach a good right hand hold... and then yard on up grunting the whole way that this is only 5.8 ! Sep 19, 2003

Warren Teissier

[Hide Comment] Let's see, I followed Touch and Go yesterday and then lead the 5.9 crux of Anthill Direct... The Touch and Go crux felt more insecure and harder (while following!) than the Anthill direct 5.9 on lead... Either one ratting needs to come down or the other needs to go up. WT Sep 19, 2003

Ivan Rezucha Fort Collins, CO 5.9

[Hide Comment] Other than off-widths of the same grade, Touch and Go is the hardest 8 around. I recently discovered a trick to make the initial roof reasonable: Right foot high on a good hold and partial knee bar into the small right facing corner. A tight red/#1 Camalot provides good pro for the crux moves at the very top. A (narrower) Alien of the same size would be better still. Sep 27, 2003

Andy Moore

[Hide Comment] For the traverse left at the beginning of the climb, Michael and a couple of others above have mentioned threading a hole for a bomber piece of protection. One further tip: Use a medium to large wired stopper to thread the hole rather than a sling. A larger stopper is too big to go through the hole, so just stick the wire through and then clip it with a draw. This is quick and easy to do with one hand. Oct 28, 2003

Edward Jenner   5.8

[Hide Comment] Any time I'm feeling weak and worried about my next hardest Eldo onsite, I like to read the comments on Touch and Go. Maybe because of the comments here I was so psyched when I lead this that I found extra strength, or expected it to be harder than it was. On the other hand, after finishing I did see a climber struggling a lot at the initial roof. Of course he was tackling it straight on at the first big hold above it, instead of traversing father left.Although it is a bit powerful, if you climb 5.10 sport or spend any time whatsoever in a gym you should have no problem with the roof - assuming good technique, it is less pumpy than it looks. I also found the upper crux reachy, but not particularly hard (I'm 6ft) and well protected (with double ropes I had one piece near my ankles and one in the opposite wall close by). 8, 8+ 9-, whatever, this is a great climb and if you lead 5.8 and have decent technique I don't see why this should present any serious difficulty. Don't be put off by 'the hardest 5.8' because if it were 5.9 it would be one of the easiest 5.9's in Eldo. Having said all that, the start of the second half looks seriously intimidating from the bottom. It's not until I got on it that I discovered many good stem rests and decent pro. IMO harder climbs:Ruper P2 and P6P2 of Over and OutWind Ridge P39's such as Green Spur, Yellow Spur, Emerald city, P2 Over the Hill, West Buttress (Bastille) So my 2 cents 8, maybe 8+ is about right. Mar 5, 2004

Anonymous Coward

[Hide Comment] This route should fall from favor; its really getting a bit polished as the access to the road will do for you. This is probably why people are balking at the 8+; some of the feet lower down aren't very usable; kind of like stepping on a pool ball in a pair of sox. The top part is really interesting; that's just something a little baffling about that dihedral. Apr 21, 2004

Chris Archer   5.9-

[Hide Comment] 1st P NEW VARIATION: From the stem stance before the first crux (where the thread, big stopper, 2.5 friend placement is), pull up and over the roof to a recently excavated hold. Head straight up. About as hard as the regular way. Jun 24, 2004

TBlom

[Hide Comment] I thought all of the routes were sandbagged here. Nothing new. Glad to hear it's easier than Green Spur though, I thought that was a cool onsight. Can't wait to try it. thanks for the pro advice. Aug 22, 2004

Michael Kullman

[Hide Comment] A great route, definitely *stout* for a 5.8, particularly the second crux. Sep 27, 2004

Friso Schlottau

[Hide Comment] We did a bunch of routes this morning, and I found that Blind Faith (10a variation) felt more secure, and maybe even easier than this '5.8+'. On the other hand, I like hand sized cracks. Maybe I was just out of it... I will say this - not a good first crack lead, in my opinion. Interesting gear, small fingery pockets, etc. Jun 17, 2005

Jason Shatek   5.8

[Hide Comment] After reading all the comments on cb.com; I walked up to this climb last night thinking an epic battle of good versus evil was about to unfold as I flaked the rope and made ready the gear. My mind was primed for battle, but as I began to follow the first pitch I thought Hmmm the real crux must be on the second pitch because the 1st roof isn't that bad (one reachy move to a bomber fingerlock and [it's] over). Once at the top of P1 Larry and I swapped leads. I thought this is it, [there's] gonna be wasps, no gear and 5.9 pumpy moves. But, the difficulty never came and the stopper placements are good all the way up and you can place a bomber cam by your feet at the second crux. I tried to place a decent alien in the eye level pocket, blue was undercammed and green was a bit too big to be of use. But, in retrospect, I won't even bother next time, you can place a bomber stopper right after the crux, so [there's] maybe 10 feet you can't place pro, no big deal in my opinion and no harder than any other 5.8 in the canyon. No way is this harder than [The Unsaid] or [Blind Faith!] With all that said, very interesting climb with lots of cool moves, highly recommended! Sep 9, 2005

Ernie Port Boulder, Colorado

[Hide Comment] I've lead this several times and again last month was on it and the blue alien placement in the pocket at the upper crux is bomber IMO. First time I jumped on this several years ago I was a bit sketched on that upper crux and didn't have the blue alien. The move off that perch is closer to (9) than to (8) IMHO.Agree that the lower crux is not terribly difficult, especially for taller folks, but last month I watched a shorter guy fall off before the corner while following this pitch, while we waited, although he got right back on, and had no problems with the rest of the route. The rock down low on the traverse is a bit polished but the crack above is beautiful. I find the start of T & G very nice and the moves a bit higher in the crack/flake thingy superb. IMO the best way to climb this route is to throw a long runner on the upper corner (touch) and then send it to the top (go)... Sep 9, 2005

Ron Olsen Boulder, CO   5.8+

[Hide Comment] Having climbed Touch 'n Go many times with many different partners, here's my take: - the roof at the start is 5.8 for tall climbers, 5.9 for shorter climbers. At 6'1", I can reach bomber holds at full extension before I launch into the moves around the roof. I've seen many shorter climbers struggle here, including those who are solid on other Eldorado 5.9s. - you can get great pro in the pod in the upper corner before doing the crux. Ernie gets a blue Alien; I get a green Alien (wiggled in deep at the top of the pod). The cams are tight but not overcammed. The pro before this is a yellow Alien just below foot level. This is one of the finest climbs at this grade in Eldorado, along with the first pitch of Werk Supp. Both merit three stars. Sep 10, 2005

Kirill Kireyev Boulder, CO

[Hide Comment] This climb eats small nuts really well... a little too well! I "donated" 3 of them. Sep 24, 2005

Sam Benedict Denver, CO   5.8+

[Hide Comment] Lead it on the way up to the Naked Edge. Thought it to be quite dope. If you told me the second thin dihedral pitch was 10a I would believe you. That said, I certainly would not dispute the 8+ grade, sandbagging is what makes the world go round, and it is part of what makes climbing fun. I was stoked to have some RPs on my rack they seemed to make the difference between being safe or not. Nov 5, 2006

Gary Schmidt Boulder, CO

[Hide Comment] Can see why it is classic. Real nice positioning. I found the first crux "strenuous" for 5.8 (which is what Rossiter calls it in the guidebook), but then I probably missed a sequence as the next guy to lead it after we were done floated it (looked like the same height as me) with only one piece of pro for the first 25 ft or so. Must be something called technique. Nov 6, 2006

Ric	[Hide Comment] Are the two bolt anchors a 1/3 of the way up new? I climbed this route 2 or so years ago and don't remember those being there. Still a great route. May 16, 2007

Andy Laakmann Bend, OR   5.9-

[Hide Comment] Classic! Awesome! The thread works well off the ground to protect the crux. And a red C3 goes in perfectly at the upper crux in an unlikely pocket/flare. Oct 23, 2008

talkinrocks Boulder, CO

[Hide Comment] Awesome route! Polished a bit, but that's Eldo for ya. Definitely not for a budding 5.8 leader. Watch out for many wasps/bees/painful stingy things on the ground while belaying, and all the wet mud when tossing your ropes for rappel. I agree that it is awkward to get to the second rappel station, the rap anchors at the top of Redguard that Ron Olsen alludes to is a better option. Oct 29, 2008

Gold Plated Rocket Pony Colorado

[Hide Comment] Heads up, there were a ton of wasps around the base on 11/16. I got stung leaving the ground. Makes the start all that more interesting. Nov 17, 2008

Phil Lauffen Innsbruck, AT

[Hide Comment] This is a sweet climb. It is pretty pumpy, but doable. Since the beta has already been given away, I'll give it away again. Get your foot high in the crack on your right when pulling the roof and that changes the whole story. At the second crux I put a 0.5 Camalot in the solution finger pocket and didn't want to take it out because it fit so well. I ended up doing a double dead point with insecure feet. Fun stuff. Next time I'm going to simply not place gear there as I have no Aliens. Overall, I would still call it 8+. This doesn't really compare to the Yellow Spur or the Unsaid. Feb 22, 2009

Bingman Arden Hills, MN

[Hide Comment] 70m gets you to the ground from the top anchors (just barely). Mar 9, 2009

Erik W Santa Cruz, CA

[Hide Comment] The upper crux would be 9+/10a any place outside of Eldo, let's be real here. It's a fun climb and I enjoyed it, no doubt, but calling this a 5.8 is just plain wrong. For people going up to do the Edge, no problem, they're strong 11- climbers at the least, so a sandbagged 8 isn't too big a deal. But if you're just getting into 9s or breaking into 10a climbs, this thing will put a serious WTF expression on your face toot sweet. A fun route nonetheless. May 29, 2009

Dr. Dan Steamboat Springs, CO   5.9+

[Hide Comment] Lead this route clean OS yesterday. Didn't have the guidebook and had no idea what route I was on until today. It was one of the best moderate routes I have done in Eldo. Compares with the upper part of P1 on Werksupp, but a grade or so harder. Take a blue and yellow Alien. The yellow fit perfectly in the upper part of the final crux pocket and made me braver. Our 70m rope made it just to the deck. Also, very wet at the base of the climb and lots of wasps. Aug 19, 2009

Andrew McLean Boulder, CO   5.8+

[Hide Comment] Led this today for my first time climbing the route. I felt its was consistent 5.8 with a little "Touch and Go" here and there. The crux at the top was no harder than the crux at the bottom for me. Of course I am 6'5" and could reach the final jugs from a stance at the top of the dihedral. Classic!!!! We left a double length BD runner with 2 Mammut wire gates clipped to the bolt anchor for Scratch N Sniff which is just down and left from the beginning of the final dihedral. If you climb Touch and Go or Scratch N Sniff and grab them feel free to send me a PM. Otherwise the booty is yours! Thanks Drew Nov 12, 2009

Rodger Raubach Billings, MT   5.9-

[Hide Comment] This is one of the finest and most continuous routes in the canyon. Correctly graded at 5.9-, it is somewhat hard to protect the opening moves off the ground, especially for a shorter climber. A shorter climber being defined as less than 6 feet! Mar 19, 2011

Tommey-James Boulder,Colorado   5.8+

[Hide Comment] Did this route yesterday to approach The Edge, wow it is so good. Really enjoyed it. I think it is better doing it in one long pitch rather than two short pitches. Jul 18, 2011

Michael Butts Boulder, Co   5.9 PG13

[Hide Comment] I climbed Touch and go this morning and finished on Anthill Direct. I did T & G in one pitch. Pretty fun route with a thought provoking crux. The top felt like a one move crux with good gear. You can place a small alien or bd cam at the crux. I am 5.9 and I can see how taller climbers would have no problem with this move. Anthill direct is a short but sweet climb. I had loads of fun on both of these routes. I would say these routes are must do for confident 5.9 climbers. Jul 14, 2012

Claire Rose Boulder, CO

[Hide Comment] I was lacking dynamic strength and/or reach length/height on that initial traverse move - even with that right foot up high as some have talked about. Super pumped trying to figure it out. Ended up shoving gear in for reach and pulling through, when I came back to it the touch and go variation over the overhang looked like an easier route through for me. Thought it was smooth sailing up that fingercrack once past that first traverse though - didn't find the crux that crux-like. Jul 15, 2012

Ken Cangi Eldorado Springs, CO

[Hide Comment] I've done the first pitch into Bolting about thirty times, and only twice ever did the second pitch, although it's also pretty fun. Pitch one into Bolting just seems like the obvious and most natural line to me. Apr 6, 2013

Moritz B.   5.10-

[Hide Comment] Hardest 5.8 I´ve ever climbed. Nov 12, 2015

Da Burger

[Hide Comment] I consider myself a strong female climber, but I'm also 5'2", and boy did this route kick my butt considering what I expected reading. It was a 9- I was preparing for. I would easily consider this a 5.11a for short people. Beta tip for shorties: for the first traverse, if you're too short for the ideal feet, heel hook the chalked up crack your hands are in until the end and then swing your feet over to climbing up the blocky section. For the next section after that where many people talk about being too short for the reach and using a high foot, there is a calcium deposit that's the size of like 3 or 4 marbles, you can stem up and then match your right foot to your right hand (on the flat face to your right) and then stand up on that right foot on the deposit and reach for the hold. Hope that helps someone out there! May 5, 2016

Matt Hagny   5.9

[Hide Comment] The upper crux posed no issue for me, but then I'm nearly 6-ft. My biggest challenge was down low, coming out of the traverse and heading straight up -- the feet are super-polished or nonexistent, and I was flopping around (never popped off, tho). That part felt harder than Eldo 8+ or 9-, but maybe I missed something. I agree that this is one of the best moderate pitches in Eldo right up there with Unsaid and Rosy! Aug 22, 2019

Wilson McKay Denver, CO

[Hide Comment] Gear beta: I was sewing it up and never placed anything bigger than a #1 Camalot. Some RPs would have been nice for the start of P2, but at 5'9", I was able to reach a small nut placement without committing to the opening moves. Get up there, and enjoy this sick moderate! Feb 2, 2021

Chris Beh

[Hide Comment] Thanks, ACE, for the nice work hardening the base of this route. Well done! Feb 20, 2022

Annie Climbs Boulder, CO   5.9+ PG13

[Hide Comment] I found the start of the second pitch to be at least PG-13. I'm 5'3", and it took a few moves of committing, insecure climbing before I was able to reach a stance and gear - definitely would be an easier section if you are taller but still a notable runout. A fall here would be large and nasty as the last pro available is significantly down and right. I ended up clipping the rap anchor with a long runner, so if I fell, at least it would be clean. Maybe you could place one of the smallest RPs in the seam at the start of the pitch as mentioned in other comments, but I doubt it would actually hold. May 8, 2022

Daniel Kay Boulder, CO

[Hide Comment] A ballnut will work to protect the start of the P2 dihedral. These are a great piece to add to your Eldo rack for the thin seams and coin slots which seem so prevalent here. May 13, 2022

James Elric rockville

[Hide Comment] Random note for other first timers: the start of pitch one is quite the crash course in how slick the rock is here. I think 5.9 is fair, but it's a lot more stout than it looks. Definitely want to go back and lead now that I have feel for the rock style. Sep 24, 2022