Mental Block

Description 

Known for scary landings and steep problems that are tough for their grade, the Mental Block is something of a "testpiece boulder" for climbers in the V4/V5 range. Like the Eliminator Boulder, these problems are well-known Gill classics, especially Mental Standard and Pinch Overhang, which the old stone master put up on the same day back in the late 1960s. Warm up on Tiger Face, which ascends the west face of the small boulder guarding the Mental Block, chalk up, and get ready to pull down hard and master committing topouts on these classic lines.

Like the Pitch Penny Boulder, there has been considerable erosion around the base of the Mental Block since Rotary has become a more popular bouldering destination. Unfortunately, this erosion has been expedited by the 'gardening' of the landing - several rocks and bushes have been removed over the past few years by climbers hoping to improve the landing zone. Please leave the Mental Block as it is; committing topouts and fearful landings are some of the trademarks of the classic lines on this rock.

Getting There 

From the southern end of the parking lot, follow the trail that leads around the south end of the ridge line, heading north past the Bolt Wall and Ship's Prow. Continue along the trail as it breaks slightly left, passing charmingly between two closely-spaced pines and, soon, just below the intimidating, overhanging west face of the Mental Block. Step across a flat boulder to it's base.

The Classics

Featured Route For Mental Block

Pinch Overhang V5  CO : Fort Collins : ... : Mental Block

Just so you don't get the wrong idea, I haven't climbed this route. I don't even want to climb this route. Maybe someday I'll rig a toprope, but I doubt it.The most famous route at Rotary Park, yet climbed by relatively few. This problem is on the west face of the Mental Block. The horrific sloping topout is easily visible to the north of the main Rotary Park area. New improved trails lead to all the major rocks at Rotary Park.The pinch hold...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO