Right at the base of the Second Flatiron a collection of boulders exist that offer some killer problems. Although it's the same kind of rock as Flagstaff, it doesn't seem to hurt as much. Some classic hard problems like The Turning Point (V9) are found here along with plenty of others that are fun and not near as hard. The best time to go is when there is no snow on the ground because you find tons of chalked things that may not be in any book, but are really good problems. This is a great after work or school destination because it is so close and offers things to goof around on, or serious projects that will take you several weeks or months to complete, unless your name is Sharma.
Getting There
Walk up the road in Chataqua almost to the Bluebell Shelter then take the trail that branches off left to the second flatiron. You should go over a small wooden bridge a few yards along the trail, if this doesn't happen, you're on the wrong trail. Keep going on this trail and take a [right] to the second flatiron when the trail forks. The trail will fork again almost at the base of the second flatiron and this is where the climbing begins. Most of the bouldering is up on the left trail, but some stuff can be found off to the right.
[The trail you take at the beginning is the access trail to the Second and Third Flatiron, then you stay left and take the trail to the Third Flatiron. Most of the boulders are just a little way up this trail. Although you start on the [Royal Arch] trail, don't stay on it when the trail breaks.]
Right after a huge long boulder along the left trail at the base of the second flatiron is the Stardust Boulder. Just to the right of the trail is the boulder. Aerogel starts low and traverses left to a sloping rail. Pull straight up to a crimp then the top. Unlike some other problems around Boulder, the landing on this one is great. ...[more]
...There is an easy problem in this area, anybody know what it is? It is right off the trail to the west near where the 3rd Flatiron, 2nd Flatiron trails diverge. A 20' tall boulder with a big dead tree leaning against it. You go up the face right next to the dead tree and can rejoin the trail up higher as it switchbacks around the boulder. It must be V0 or easier if I can do it!
Uh oh ... OK I admit I did go bouldering ONCE.Well, uh, I have tried the Monkey Traverse several times but have never made the whole thing. Basically, I suck at bouldering!
Could we re-organize this area to clean up some of the extranious entries and give a better overview? I'll submit some overview pictures, but others probably know the area better than me.
There's a 'new' problem at the Satellites and was wondering if anyone wanted to contribute some beta (name, grade, FA) for it. If you're facing Grundel City Boy, it's directly behind you about 70' up the hill. It's the short boulder (10' tall) with a cool 3' horizontal roof at about chest height. Starts in the back of the roof and moves to the lip via the enormous heel hook jug. Crimpers on the face gains you the top. Some guys I tried it with said it was about V7. Good problem. 2-3 stars.
Satellite Boulders
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