First Flatiron Climb

The flatirons in Boulder are imposing and beautiful.  When driving into Boulder, they are a series of remarkable red rock slabs drastically angled, jutting from the earth.  It’s a wonderful experience just looking at the flatirons. It’s even more fun climbing up them.  Last summer, Mike, Madison and I went climbing in Vedauwoo, WY and I had a great time (even though those two totally showed me what’s up).  This week, Mike took me climbing on the first flatiron.  It was my first big outdoor climb and after some practice tying knots and rappelling out of the tree in my parent’s backyard, we were ready.

The first flatiron ascends about 1,000 feet and ends in a 100 foot rappel down the backside.  Although terrified, I kept telling myself the rappel will be the best part.  Well, it was a perfect day for a climb and we found our way to the top with Mike’s knowledge of the route and how to keep us safe.  It was fun, a bit challenging, slightly scary in the exposed sections, and completed with the slowest (super fast and Indiana Jones-like for Mike), but awesome rappel.

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