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Base Camp
Up
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: June 8, 2008
- Miles Hiked: 2.0
- Elevation Gain: 1,200'
- Hiking Partner(s):
Jeff Shafer
- Description:
- Since we ended up back in Denver (CO) before 7:00 am after getting
weathered off of St. Mary's Glacier (See previous trip report.), we decided to
try and salvage the day. We returned back to Highlands Ranch (CO)
and quickly picked up a rope and our rock shoes. The weather on
the drive to
Boulder (CO) wasn't totally promising, but it did hold a few patches of
blue sky. Once at Chautauqua Park, we were confident we'd be able
to climb the First Flatiron despite the fact that I almost nodded off a couple of times on
Highway 36. The approach went relatively fast and before we knew
it, we were to the
base of Baker's Way. Jeff had recently climbed
the route and was willing to return to it to provide me an opportunity
to climb it. I started off the climb, and we swapped leads for the
entire 8 pitch route. Jeff guided me through my pitches. The first
pitch was short, the second had significant rope drag, the third was
pretty much just 3rd class scrambling, while the forth gained
the ridge. The fifth probably had the crux, while the sixth,
seventh, and eighth simply followed the north ridge to the summit of the
First Flatiron.
The descent only requires one rappel (60M rope needed) and then it's
a trail all the way back to the parking lot. I had a fun time on a
day that nearly went to waste.
- The climb
is rated 5.3/5.4 with a couple of fairly short pitches. The statistics above are estimates along with the actual
elevation of the First on my peak list. I'm not entirely sure if
it would be considered a summit or not.
I think we round tripped it from car to car in 5 hours and 30
minutes. I started off taking a few photos, but as the climb
progressed I basically stopped. Once we gained the ridge, the wind
was strong and communication was difficult so I guess documenting the
climb became less of a priority.
- Maps:
-
Click here to view a
2D map of
the area where this hike is located. (The map is from my climb of
the Third Flatiron last year so the route isn't of the First.)
- Photographs:
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www.
just
hiking
.com
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