Flatirons Circuit Ramble

Flatirons Circuit Ramble

Had some time to kill after work in Boulder, so I cruzed up and ran a fun circuit that involves a bit of bouldering. I've done this circuit off and on for 15 years or so, and have always found it to be very enjoyable. It combines a bit of solid running, some talus hopping, bouldering, a fun climbing route, and exposure all in one. From Chautauqua I cruzed up to the Second Flatiron access and then up the trail to the Satellite boulders. Since I'm just messing around, I do all of the easy problems in the area, then head over to the Gutter and do a lap or two there. The Gutter is a great climb, and doesn't see much traffic these days. After a solid pump, I go up the flood wash and hop through the talus behind the Second, before doing a fun scramble along a rib to the top. I wanted, this time, to then head up Green and continue on, but since Boulder's trails seem to be an icy mess compared to those in Jefferson county, I took a class 3/4 route down and back to the Mesa trail. From there, I went and ran some of the loops on McClintock, Kholer, and Skunk, which were relatively dry and runnable, before returning back to Chautauqua. Fun adventure running.

The Gutter: Endurance Training on the Second Flatiron

I've been doing a bit of endurance training this spring. Not only in terms of trail running, but also for climbing. Over the winter, bouldering dominates with short, powerful moves. However, now I'm trying to get back into alpine shape for the upcoming season, and to do that I have been doing laps at the Gutter.

Located up on the Second Flatiron, the Gutter is an excellent place to build up strength and endurance. At ~80 feet long, this forearm pumping problem will get you breathing hard and searching for your chalk bag in no time. With two cruxes, some real good rests, and a steep, sustained overhang the gutter is one of my favorite places in the spring.

The last time we were there I tried to get a couple pictures, but the place is hard to photograph. As you can tell from the only one that "kinda" turned out, the gutter is a slot that you can either climb "in" or on the "lip" for a range of 12b to 13a roughly.

Shady in the afternoon, I'll probably hit the place up a couple more times before it gets to hot and the higher stuff opens up.