Flatirons Rock Climbing

Review

Intro

Boulder’s iconic Flatirons have attracted climbers for over a hundred years. Besides being visually impressive, the iron-rich rock is solid, well formed and perfect for rock climbing. Because they are located right in the city of Boulder, they have been climbed extensively. Over 980 official routes exist and more are being added to that number every year.

What Makes It Great

The Flatirons are one of the most important places in the history of North American rock climbing. The sheer variety and quantity of both trad and sport lines give enough terrain to last a lifetime! There’s something for everyone, though low-grade trad routes remain king. It is a right of passage to scale the Third Flatiron and rap down off the backside.

Climbs range from 5.0 to 5.14a with both sport and trad options, though the Flatirons are best known for initiating climbers to their first multi-pitch trad climbs. Many climbers get their introductory taste of long routes by scaling the entire length of the third flatiron, a 1,300 ft. line that can be kept below 5.6 and is extremely well protected. There are over 200 trad lines that go under 5.6 throughout the Flatirons, making it the ideal place to learn how to place gear. Advanced climbers will find plenty of routes over 5.11, including some cutting edge sport routes in the South Flatirons.

Who is Going to Love It

Any and all rock climbers. The views of Boulder are astounding and the rock seems to have been forged by mother nature specifically for climbers.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The Mountain Project website has details on specific climbs and sections but many climbers will park at Chautauqua or Gregory Canyon, about 5 - 10 minutes from downtown Boulder. For more information, please visit the excellent Mountain Project Flatirons site.