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North Overhang Traverse (a.k.a. The Sloper Traverse)

V3-4, Boulder, 10 ft (3 m),  Avg: 3 from 50 votes
FA: some hardperson in loafers before I was born
Colorado > Boulder > Flagstaff > Rd Sign Rock

Description

This unique problem is shaded much of the day, is low to the ground, and offers the best landing possible.

Locate the chalked up sloper-rail on the Northwestern side of Road Sign Rock. When facing the problem, sit start down and right from the rail. Your hands will be on opposing slopey sidepulls. Move up, left, and up again... the problem is obvious.

This is classic Flagstaff V2 / B1.

Protection

None is needed, maybe bring a pad.

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superjosh
 
[Hide Comment] Candidate for World's Hardest V2. Nov 14, 2004
Chip Phillips
Broomfield, CO
[Hide Comment] V2 ... Right!!!

B1 is the correct grade, which typically translates into V4 on Flag. I'd say that's just about right, assuming you are beginning from a sit on using opposing slopers underneath the bulge on the far right. Guidebooks are a useful indicator of grades, but that's just about it. Think for yourself when you add problems to the database. Nov 15, 2004
Aeon Aki

  V2+
[Hide Comment] A considerable amount of core tension is required to get off the ground, then heel hooks and a long arm span help to finish this deceiving little problem. Hard for V2 (hard for V3) but a really enjoyable boulder problem. May 10, 2007
khoa
Tacomarado
 
[Hide Comment] Sorry I broke off a teeeeny, sharp intermediate the other day right below that last pebble. Being short, this 2 finger crimper was the key to one of my favorite flag problems. Still goes! Oct 15, 2008
Captain Derp
  V3
[Hide Comment] Feels like a solid V3. The pump factor makes the move to the large pebble feel pretty desperate for me. Jul 20, 2009
Crackhead
  V3+
[Hide Comment] I find this surprisingly hard, especially the final throw to the big cobble after the sloper pump. What a cool problem though, worth going back to over and over again! I feel like this is solid V3 for Flagstaff. Jan 20, 2017
Garrett Herrick
  V3+
[Hide Comment] I think V3/4 is about right depending height.

Beta video: youtube.com/shorts/fxC0vTQ2…. Nov 11, 2022
Adam Gyarmati
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] I think this route is actually called "North Overhang Traverse" and goes at V3/V4, see: flagstaffmountainbouldering…
The problem called Northwestern Overhang climbs directly up and over the bulge starting from the slopers and is around V2. Jan 1, 2023