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Skunk Canyon
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Ridge 1 aka Stairway to Heaven 
Ridge 2 aka Satan's Slab 
Ridge 3 aka Angel's Way 
Ridge 4 aka Mohling Arete 

Skunk Canyon

Submitted By: Leo Paik on Oct 16, 2006
Administrators: Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst
Elevation: 5,500 feet
Views: 14,449 page views

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Some of this area is subject to seasonal closures - Ridge 2, 3, & 4 (typically Feb 1- July 31) MORE INFO >>>

Approach Trail to Skunk Canyon.


Description 

This is a organizational entry to assist with those trying to find the 4 ridges of Skunk Canyon upon suggestion by one of our users. This area is subject to seasonal closures on Ridge 2, 3, & 4 (typically Feb 1- July 31).

Here you will find 1 - 8 pitch routes. There are climbs from 5.0 to 5.14a here. Most routes are on the adventurous side. You will find predominantly traditionally-protected routes, so bring your rack if you rope up. Probably, the most popular routes here are Stairway to Heaven, 5.4, Satan's Slab, 5.8 S, Angel's Way, 5.2, & Mohling Arete, 5.5 S. There is room for new routes here.

This a fairly infrequently visited area, so you will likely find solitude here. If you venture west of Ridge Four, you will likely find yourself in one of the least visited locales in the Boulder area.

Note, the area is rather full of poison ivy, for those who are sensitive. Also, there are bears & mountain lions known to habit these parts.


Getting There 

The most rapid access to this area is to park at the NCAR parking lot at the top of Table Mesa. Hike W toward the Mesa Trail. Hike N on the Mesa Trail toward Skunk Canyon. There are various trails heading W into the bottom of Skunk Canyon. Head W. Expect 30-60 minutes for the approach depending on the route.



Featured Route For Skunk Canyon
Enjoying a beautiful foggy morning on Angel's Way.

Angel's Way 5.2  CO : Flatirons : Ridge 3 aka Angel's Way
This hidden gem is one of the best Flatiron climbs. Solid rock and a soaring arete, that is quite consistent at the grade, make for a great scramble. This climb is long, and if done roped is probably at least 8 pitches. It is quite similar in difficulty to the standard E Face route on the Third Flatiron and makes for a great solo outing. Unlike the 3rd Flatiron, however, there is no fixed gear. NOTE: This climb falls within the Falcon closur...[more]


Add Photo Photos of Skunk Canyon
The entrance to Skunk Canyon in the fall is a yellow tunnel of Mountain Maple, Box Elder, Willow, and Poison Ivy in spots. The Creeping Barberry is an evergreen in the Holly family (Mahonia) and keeps its color year round. Photo by Tony Bubb, 10/06.

The entrance to Skunk Canyon in the fall is a yell...

The remains of a cougar-killed deer after being picked over by a bear in Skunk Canyon, in the Flatirons of Boulder, CO. Photo by Bubb, autumn 2006.

The remains of a cougar-killed deer after being pi...

I am pretty sure we can identify ridge #2 in blue. What is Green?, yellow? and red?

BETA PHOTO: I am pretty sure we can identify ridge #2 in...

I took this from the top of Front Porch. Is this ridge 1,2,3, and 4???

I took this from the top of Front Porch. Is this r...