This is right on a popular trail so there are often spectators, and the banter is fun to listen to. I paraphrase from memory: "Do people climb this without a rope?" "Look at that, that's crazy." "This looks pretty easy. Then again, I don't know, is this steep? I'm not sure." "This is just a scramble." "It's not bad, my friend did it." "People die all the time here." "Is this on your list?" "I don't know if I have a list, but maybe." "It'll take maybe an hour. It's getting dark."
It's like that time on Pikes Peak when I topped out on the Barr Trail at 14,000 feet, and there's grandma and grandpa staring at me emerging from the fog in my running clothes after a 13-mile ascent, after they drove up the road to the summit. It's a clash of cultures, to some extent.
But it makes me happy to see people on their journey of enjoying the outdoors, whereas for many of us, it's another fun Saturday. I've been there and I remember the feeling. It made an indelible impression on me and it's why I moved here and do what I do.
Distance was 6.39 miles, time 3:37:37 (moving 2:17:21), avg. pace 34:02, moving pace 21:29, max pace 8:24 min/mi, elevation gain/loss 3,732 feet.
Is it particularly steep? The picture makes it appear nearly vertical but I realize it isn't.
ReplyDeleteMy personal worry would be getting halfway up and getting stuck because of the sudden realization that I'm scared.
I think it's a pretty standard Flatiron slope of 45°-55°, steepest at the bottom, which is also smoother. What differentiates the Flatiron routes is more about texture and rock features like overhangs and ledges or lack thereof.
ReplyDeleteFor example on this route about 100 feet up is rock bulge that is probably the easiest way up, but involves a reach from a slightly exposed position. The upper 2/3 of this route (mostly out of sight) is on a ridge that angles diagonally north instead of straight up, reducing the effective slope to about 40°-45°, and the texture and holds are consistently good. But there's a jump, and two slightly harder rocks at the very end. If you go more or less up the bottom middle, it's 4th class. I've seen people rope up, but mostly beginners and kids.
But yeah, there is the potential for paralysis. Just yesterday, a beginning climber froze up right near the middle of this photo and was guided off the rock to the right by a friend. I've been stymied for a minute or two in various places.