Flatirons
A collection of stuff about the time I spend in the Flatirons. Useful links, maps, routes I’ve done and haven’t done, tips, thoughts, etc.
An early morning scramble up the Third Flatiron | December 2020
A useful map of different Flatirons. Particularly useful if you are standing on top of a flatiron, wondering what the rock to your left or right is. This is a WIP, and adapted from someone else’s map. There is a useful key, of sorts: Blue - open year round, Red/orange - has raptor closures. Markers are Gerry Roach Classics, circles are other non-classic formations. Lots of non-classics yet to be added to this.
Another WIP item - spreadsheet of Flatiron routes, grades, Mountain Project beta, etc.
My thoughts on Shoes for Scrambling the Flatirons
For me, the first and most important rule of scrambling in the flatirons is to use sticky rubber. Some people are comfortable using regular trail running shoes, I am not. Especially if you are just getting into the Flatirons, the best thing you can do for yourself (besides finding a knowledgable friend) is to have the best friction possible - sticky rubber! Approach shoes from any of the major climbing brands should have this. Trail running shoes do not. You often see people casually running up the first and second Flatirons in what appear to be trail running shoes - sometimes the case, but often they have been resoled with sticky rubber specifically for this purpose. The advantage to this over using an approach shoe is a better, more comfortable fit for running between scrambles.
Climbing shoes are also a great option and something you are more likely to have. It doesn’t take long to switch shoes at the base, so if you can spare an extra 2 minutes, this is a great and safe option. On some of the less traveled Flatirons, there is a lot of lichen. For these, I find approach shoes are better because the lichen can slide in the tread, unlike with a rock shoe that has completely flat sole.
The Flatirons - even the Freeway route on the second - are serious business so don’t take your non-climbing friends for a tour without the appropriate footwear. You will all have a much more enjoyable and safer time.
My favorite shoe to use is the La Sportiva TX3.
