West Face [2nd Flatiron] 

When I first came to Boulder, I had a few pieces of pro, and no climbing buddies. I started doing laps on the 2nd Flatiron to quench my climbing passion. When I first did this route I did a couple awkward moves in the crack just to the right of the last bulge. After spending a few minutes on the summit I looked down and wandered how in the world I had gotten up there, because it appeared to be overhanging in all directions. After 15-20 minutes of debating whether I was going to downclimb, I finally found good holds in the crack and went back down to the ledge. However, the easiest way to downclimb this route is to grab 2 good holds just above the bulge and slowly lower your feet till they hit the small ledge hidden by the overhang (the crack will be on your right) . Surprising this is one of my favorite flatiron routes especially on a winter sunset.

I'd say that this route deserves 1 star. I've always found the moves to be awkward and unappealing. The 2nd's West Face is noteworthy for being the shortest summit route of the main flatirons but that's about it. If you're in the area, try the backside of the 1st Flatiron instead, it's a bit easier and much more enjoyable.

The first time I did this downclimb it seemed a little harder than the 5.1 rating posted here (Class 4 in the guidebooks). Sounds like others had the same problem that I did. The trick is to start heading down the west face at the northern most point. There are a couple of solid stairs to get you around the overhang. Good lesson in route finding.