The Ghetto Bouldering

The Ghetto sits on the southwest side of the Third Flatiron, high on a bench that's visible from the small pass on the Royal Arch trail.

Approach via the Royal Arch Trail. As you climb steeply out of the riverbed, you'll notice a large, roof/block on your left after about 5-10 minutes. 150 feet further is a seasonal closure sign tacked to a tree. Drop into or contour around the gully here (a climber's trail is visible), then head up and north into the long gully leading north to the Upper Bench (this is listed as an alternate descent route for the 3rd in many guidebooks).

About halfway up the gully you'll pass a small crag on the right (the south face has two bolts, the west face has "Holier than Thou," a 5.11 route past 4-5 bolts up the overhanging, huecoed face).

Scramble up past this, then 100 feet later come to a notch between this crag and a short, wavy wall. Don't climb the south-face of the notch -- spooky 5.7. Instead, stay in the gully, go 10 feet farther (if you get to the big tree you've gone too far -- unless you want to climb the tree to get into the Ghetto) and climb the west-facing wall via good rails to a ledge. Up over another step, then scramble north on a ramp and Voila! -- you're looking right at the Anacostia Wall.

The Ghetto is closed each spring from February 1 - July 31 for nesting raptors. Please respect this, and keep this unique environment clean.