First Flatiron

June 9, 2010

A classic and airy 5.4 climb of the First Flatiron with my Uncle Bob 

The Flatirons

Aunt Donna, Uncle Bob, Shawn & Dominic hike toward the Flatirons. They are numbered right to left and all five can be seen in this picture. Today Dominic, Bob & I are hoping to climb the First Flatiron, the biggest one on the far right. Our intended route is the North Arête, the right skyline. Bob seems excited.

The Reynolds'

Bob, Donna and Shawn pose in front of the Third Flatiron. Its almost time for Donna and Shawn to part ways with us.

Starting up the Arête

Bob starts up the North Arête high above the City of Boulder.

Looking down the First Flatiron

Looking down the slabby East Face of the First Flatiron. Our route follows along the top of the Flatiron.

Narrow with exposure

The arête is narrow in places and highly exposed on either side.

Thrilled or scared?

Bob is either thrilled or scared or both, I'm not quite sure.

Dominic leading the crux

Dominic leading the crux of the climb, a short 5.4 step.

Bob tackling the crux

Bob makes quick work of the awkward crux as Dominic belays him from above.

Airy ridge

Bob carefully makes his way along the incredibly airy ridge.

Placing protection 

Dominic pauses to place some protection.

Yet another obstacle

Dominic leading past yet another obstacle along the ridge.

Nearing the summit

Bob just below the summit of the First Flatiron. The Third Flatiron can be seen in the distance.

Signing in

Bob signs us in to the register on the summit.

Bob on rappel

Bob on rappel, stoked to be going back to terra firma!




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