Quartzite Ridge Easy 5th
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| Type: | Trad, 1000 feet |
| Consensus: | 5.2 [details] |
| FA: | Unknown |
| Season: | Year round |
| Submitted By: | kyle lefkoff on Nov 17, 2011 |
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Malcolm isn't sure about the Quartzite Ridge.
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Description The Quartzite Ridge is an exposed rock ridge that runs appromimately East to West from above the summit of Supremacy Rock for 250m to its intersection with the Rattlesnake Trail. Almost all of the climbing along the ridge is on its sunny south aspect.
After a 100m of scrambling to attain the ridge, ascend the arete in a series of moderate steps and downclimbs, passing several trees en route.
A variety of options exist at each tower along the way, but staying on the arete offers the best climbing on beautiful quartzite, reminiscent of the alpine rock in the Tetons.
A short downclimb at the end of the ridge brings you to the Rattlesnake Trail. For a solo climber, a 60 minute round trip car-to-car is average.
The Quartzite Ridge receives excellent winter sun angle at midday and is the best location in Boulder to practice short-roping.
Location The Quartzite Ridge is located just to the north of the Rattlesnake Trail parking area. Park in one of the two spaces just north of the small creek, and walk west 50 meters to a large tree and the start.
Descend the Rattlesnake Trail back to the parking lot.
Protection There is no fixed gear, but ample natural protection exists. Most parties would need only a few long slings for protection.
Malcolm on the approach slabs to the Quartzite Rid...
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Malcolm is now enthusiatic about his climb on the ...
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Deb emerges into the sun and onto solid rock from ...
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P2 where Deb recommends the 1st one up gets the ca...
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Deb ascends a small gendarme on P4.
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Deb on P5.
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Deb near the top, on the last gendarme. It was ~11...
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The alternate P1 start, loose, 5.4 R chossaneering...
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Possible cat prints on the way down?
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| Comments on Quartzite Ridge |
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By Malcolm Daly
From: Boulder, CO
Nov 18, 2011
| I can't believe this thing has been under my nose for 35 years and I haven't seen it. Hidden gem? |
By Malcolm Daly
From: Boulder, CO
Nov 18, 2011
| BTW, this route is either a solo or a short-rope practice climb. 98% of it is 3rd-4th class, but there are a couple of "stopper" moves in the 5.4 range with no fall consequences. There are plenty of places, however, where a trip or stumble on the easiest ground would result in a 150' groundfall. If you're comfortable soloing the 3rd Flatty, this one's for you. And it has no down-climb at the end. |
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