The Ladder

The Ladder, aka Indian Ladder, is an excellent warmup in the Bierstadt Area. This southeast-facing problem is extremely popular, featuring big moves on huge holds. The problem is a bit harder than it looks, but once you figure out which part of each hold to grab, this line will feel much easier. Begin with a sit start in the bottom of the pit, with hands matched on the big sloper. Pop up to the first rail, and so on towards the top. The holds get much more positive after the long reach at mid-height, and the topout is relatively moderate.

There are numerous eliminates involving the small crimps on this wall. A stand start to this problem drops the grade to V0.

From Bierstadt, continue south through a narrow cleft between the Bierstadt Boulder & its neighbor. About 20’ south of this cleft, the trail passes the Ladder, which begins from the pit on the right (N of the trail).

~2 pads. The landing is mostly flat, but there is a sloping boulder on the left that is more of a psychological distraction than anything.