Velvet Elvis

I should mention that if you didn't bring 2 ropes, you are not in big trouble on the descent. From the top anchor, just climb the ridge crest (5.0) for 140' to a notch. On the other side of this notch you will see 2 beefy bolts with rings for a 60' rap West to the ground. Nov 12, 2001

George,

Can you do two single rope raps to the ground? I've only been up there once and got rained on, but it appeared that maybe you could rap from the top back down to the hanging rap (at the end of the traverse), and then rap to the ground from there. Is that possible? Nov 13, 2001

Yes, Kreighton, I'm pretty sure you can also do the long rap in two raps with one rope. I've never heard of anyone doing this, but I believe the lengths work out fine. It is just painful "hanging out" at that hanging belay. Nov 13, 2001

IMHO, the first pitch is one of the best in the Flatirons. Quite unique as you get a ton of options for holds in the sea of pebbles but bigger does not mean better. Varied, always interesting, never vertical along that stretch but always interesting. That big cam site takes a #4 Friend beautifully but use a long sling. Make sure your 2nd is comfortable traversing/nearly leading. It is interesting to have to clean this from above if you 2nd falls off and can't finish the route. This gem (1st pitch) should not be missed. Different than most Denver-area climbs. Mar 8, 2002

Good climb, unique- climbing on cobbles and pebbles in Boulder County is not the norm. The route is best done in the cool weather or in the early AM before the sun hits it. Rounded white quartz cobbles we referred to as "kryptonite" holds get slick and made us over-grip and go weak if you are hot and sweaty. Still it is fun. The 2nd bolt has a finger pocket down and left of the clip with a paper-wasp nest in it. They are semi-aggressive, but you can climb up, over and around.

From the top anchors, my 70M rope was laying both ends on the ground by quite a bit (7M extra each end), so a 60M would reach with spare rope as well, as long as you don't try to aim to the East on rap. a 50M definitely can not make it.

Wasps by second both in 2-finger pocket- avoid by clipping, then going up, left, and back down. They did not 'bug' us when we did that.

Great route, but hard to compare to the super-classics. 2.5 stars?
It's a short crux with a lot of 5.10- climbing around it. Avoiding slipping was the crux, not any true complexity. Reach will be a factor for some people.

The top anchor needs webbing replacement. Aug 18, 2003

The pin protecting the opening moves is pretty sketchy - looks to be an old knifeblade - I was able to move it around a bit this afternoon. It provides a little bit of confidence for the somewhat off-balance moves up to the ledge, but not a lot; best not blow the opening moves on this climb. Sep 27, 2009

A pink (#1/2) tricam fits perfectly into a pocket between, and in line with, the pin and the first bolt, protecting the moves to the first bolt nicely. Place it while standing on the ledge after the initial traverse (then the large gear for the crack is not necessary). A black (#1/4) tricam can be placed above the 3rd bolt on P2 to protect the last moves to the top (although it is easier climbing here) - a similar-sized nut would work here as well. Many of the bolts are starting to rust.

Looks like a dinner plate has peeled off to the right of the second bolt on P2. The clip at this bolt felt dicey, as blowing it would land you on your belayer.

Fun, interesting climbing, with great position. Nov 3, 2012

On Nov. 2, 2014, Curtis Stevens and I replaced all of the bolts on Velvet Elvis (except for the top anchor, which had already been replaced). The sketchy 1980s lead bolts have been removed and replaced with 1/2 x 2.75" stainless steel 5-piece bolts. We equipped the first pitch anchor with two 1/2 x 4.75" super-duper bomber bolts, so you can have added confidence while rappelling into the void. We replaced the tat-slings on top of the second pitch with two stainless steel rap rings.

We also replaced the rusty #1 knifeblade piton (first pro on the first pitch) with a new #5 Bugaboo piton. The new piton is significantly thicker, so while it's never a good idea to whip onto a thin pin like this, the new pin is much more solid and might actually keep you off the ground.

Bolts and equipment were supplied by the Boulder Climbing Community (BCC), an organization that relies on the support of climbers like you: boulderclimbingcommunity.net/.

All work was done under permit from Boulder OSMP.

A few additional comments:

1) It is very hard to see the top anchors from the last (3rd) bolt on the second pitch. Just keep going. They are up there.

2) From the top of the second pitch, consider continuing north along the ridge (super fun 5.0). In about 100', you come to the bolts at the top of The Raven. Now you can rap down (~50') and toprope The Raven, a super-cool 5.11 stemming climb. Nov 7, 2014

A really nice link-up is to climb the 3rd Flatiron, rap, and then walk a couple minutes down the gully to the base of "Smooth". Climb that route, which tops out right at the P2 anchor for "Velvet". Rap from these anchors to the ground (60m should just make it), drop the packs, and climb "Velvet", rap again, and hike out.

This route does not seem to get much traffic, but I can't imagine why, it is really good. The first pitch has got to be the best pitch for the grade in the Flatirons, with just enough excitement for both leader and follower, but not at all sketchy or strenuous. The second pitch is chill and well-protected, and the crux is over with before you know it. Well worth the approach. Sep 20, 2018