High over Boulder sit the iconic Flatirons. As one of the premiere rock climbing destinations on the Front Range of Colorado, this area is steeped in climbing history. The first recorded roped climb of the Third Flatiron was in 1919 by climbing guides Ev Long and Hull Cook. They installed six eyebolts in the rock which are still used today as anchors by hundreds of climbers. With five numbered Flatirons, and hundreds of other formations on Bear Peak and Green Mountain, the possibilities to climb here are endless. There are thousands of sport climbs, multi pitch trad routes, and big adventure days to be had.

Many of the classic Flatiron climbs are perfect for beginners and experts alike. While the climbing is considered moderate, an ascent of a Flatiron is an experience you will never forget. From the hike in through a beautiful wooded forest, to the 360 degree views of Boulder and the surrounding mountains from the dizzying summit ridge of the First Flatiron, you will feel accomplished and proud to be a part of Boulder’s climbing history.

Climb over 1,000 feet of beautiful, red sandstone with us and take in the amazing scenery. While the Flatirons look intimidating from the ground, they are actually very approachable and have many beginner friendly routes to the top. Climb a Flatiron includes an approximate 30 minute hike to the base, an average of about 1,100 feet of rock climbing, and normally takes approximately 6 hours. If you want to see Colorado from a different view, then this is the climb you’ve been waiting for!

We typically guide the First, Second, and Third Flatirons, but are able to guide Four and Five as well. Please be aware that the Third Flatiron is closed for raptor nesting between February and August. During this time we predominately guide the First Flatiron.

​

Some of our absolute favorite routes in the Flatirons are:

The Third Flatiron, East Face (Standard)

Commonly referred to as the “Best Beginner Climb in the solar system,” the East Face of the Third Flatiron truly lives up to its reputation. This long, multi pitch climb has some of the very best easy rock climbing close to Boulder. Wind your way up crisp edges, huge handholds, and 8 pitches of incredible 5.4 climbing.

The Second Flatiron, Freeway

A stellar beginner multi pitch climb! The Freeway climbs almost 1,000 feet of 5.2 rock with numerous fun obstacles to navigate around and countless variations to bump the difficulty up or down.

The First Flatiron, Direct Route

This is hands down our favorite Flatiron! You could climb this a hundred times and never climb it the same way twice. This is the Flatirons classic climb! Almost 1,100 feet of 5.6 delicate slab climbing, easy jug hauling, and awesome ridge scrambling take you to the top where the views of Longs Peak and Boulder will take your breath away.

More information:

• Recommended experience level: beginner to advanced
• This is a semi-strenuous climb
• An ascent normally takes between approximately 6 and 8 hours
• Summits include the First Flatiron, Second Flatiron, and Third Flatiron. We offer custom guiding on other Flatiron formations