Out of Business

Near the start of the East Face South Side route of the Fifth Flatiron lurks a WIDE chimney (four and a half feet, at least) that begs for your attention. Many may not see this as a chimney at all but instead a passageway!

Begin in the middle, where a column of sorts sticks out on the west side and start chimneying up! As you gain elevation, the walls will enclose around you and give you a helpful handhold or two. The crux is certainly in the beginning as the wideness makes things awkward (and more awkward still for shorties), but the landing is great. Top out to the west. The rock quality is fairly OK, although the east side has some more friable rock up top, so do take a little bit of caution.

The first ascent is unknown, but considering the ease (relatively) of its approach, its location near well-known and documented climbs, and the obviousness of the line, it must have been done before. This is not a destination climb but a nice diversion before tackling East Face, South Side, as your partner mucks about with whatever is up with their pack.

"Out of Business" is a nod to the classic, "Taking Care of Business" near the Fourth Flatiron. You're obviously not in, "Taking Care of Business" (you're out of it). This climb is obviously not as classic (or long) either, but it's also not quite the quest to get to. If there's a previous, historical name, chime in.

Approach as if starting the East Face, South Side route of the Fifth Flatiron. To the east are two large boulders with a gap between them - you most likely passed them approaching the toe of the formation. That gap is your chimney. Other short routes lurk on the south side of the larger of the two boulders.

Descend on the east side (the smaller of the two boulders), and carefully make your way down the heavily lichened face or SW arete.

Consider this a solo or even a boulder. There's really nothing in the chimney one can use to place pro in.