Climbing in the Flatirons
Boulder’s Flatirons are ICONIC! Climb hundreds of feet of sandstone slab on mellow terrain with spectacular views.
These striking slabs of sandstone that dominate the Boulder skyline are remnants of ancient seabeds that once covered the region and were pushed up by tectonic forces. The Flatirons offer climbers a thrilling adventure as well as a chance to connect with a landscape hundreds of millions of years in the making! While the climbing up the East faces of these slabs isn’t particularly technical, the position provides a memorable adventure for complete beginners to intermediate and advanced climbers alike.
The First Flatiron
Direct Route 5.6
The Direct East face is the most classic route up the First Flatiron. The first pitch is the most challenging with small featured friction slab to test your trust in your shoe rubber. You climb six pitches up to the ridge where you continue with exposure on both sides through a handful of short pitches and false summits to the summit. From there one long rappel takes you to the ground to meet the hiking trail.
~5-6 hours
Beginner - Advanced
~ 20-30 minutes uphill
6 full pitches and a handful of mini pitches along the ridge; 1000’ of climbing!
1 rappel and a hike
Full sun until mid-late afternoon
$420 for 1 climber | $300 each for 2 climbers
Baker’s Way 5.4
Baker’s Way is an excellent way to get on top of the First Flatiron and experience the exposed ridge traverse without the technical challenge of the first few pitches. This route is fun for the whole family and can even include the whole family with up to 4 climbers! The ledges are big, the views are fantastic and you don’t need any previous climbing experience!
~4-6 hours
Complete Beginner - Intermediate
~ 30-40 minutes uphill
6 pitches
1 rappel and a hike
Full sun until mid-late afternoon
$420 for 1 climber | 2 climbers $300 each| 3 climbers $250 each | 4 climbers $200 each
The Second Flatiron
Freeway 5.0
The Second Flatiron is the most accessible climbing in the Flatirons. The well traveled route is perfect if you want to experience being on a Flatiron, but don’t feel super comfortable with climbing or a lot of exposure. This is a perfect for those with little to no climbing experience. About halfway up the Flatiron there is an opportunity to jump from the “diving board.” This keeps the adventure exciting if you want a little thrill. (It is avoidable if you don’t want to jump).
~4-5 hours
Complete beginner friendly
~ 20-30 minutes
~800 feet of climbing
Walk off
Full sun until mid-late afternoon
$420 for 1 climber | 2 climbers $300 each| 3 climbers $250 each | 4 climbers $200 each
The Third Flatiron
East Face 5.4
The Third Flatiron is amazing, but due to bird nesting it only opens in the summertime after July 31st and closes again February 1st. The Third Flatiron is perfect if you want more technical climbing than the 2nd Flatiron and less technical climbing and less exposure than the First Flatiron. Great for beginners wanting a full Flatiron experience.
~5-6 hours
Beginner - Intermediate
~45 minutes
~800 feet of climbing
3 rappels
Full sun until mid-late afternoon
$420 for 1 climber | $300 each for 2 climbers
Seal Rock
East Face 5.4
Seal Rock, named for its shape, is incredible and hosts one of my favorite Flatiron climbs! Fun slabs take you to a final pitch of splitter crack and steep jugs to one of my favorite Flatiron summits. If you are able to sustain the longer approach, this is a must do!
~6-7 hours
Beginner - Intermediate
~60 minutes
~800 feet of climbing
1 rappel
Full sun until mid-late afternoon
$420 for 1 climber | $300 each for 2 climbers