Beams
of evening sun whisper through the trees and divide the solitude into
shadow and light. Walking along the dusty path that meanders through
countless rock formations, I cannot help but feel as if I were in the
company of deities. Like an empty window in a ghost town, the formations
here have a particular kind of presence. Almost every nubbin on the
wonderfully textured rock still remembers the thumbprints of visionary
climbers like John Gill, Jim Collins, Christian Griffith and countless
others. To unlock the sequence of a problem is to discover a small lesson
of wisdom. Endless problems adorn the sharp jugs, pockets and crystals
that are speckled across the unusual sedimentary rock. Anything from
V0 highballs to V10 test-pieces can be found in a small circumference,
leaving something for everyone. Depending on one's mood, on nearly any
given afternoon, groups of climbers can be found at the more popular
spots like the Cloud Shadow or Monkey Traverse areas, as well as more
remote and less visited boulders. On many evenings, Christian Griffith
himself can be found showering beta and history lessons upon small groups
of young hopefuls.
Derek
Franz goes for the jug on "East Overhang" (V2) near the Cloud Shadow
Traverse area.
Steve
Doubilet managing the sharp balance moves of the classic "Hagan's Wall"
(V5).
Steve
Doubilet working the last moves of "The Underling Traverse" (V8), a
popular test-piece put up by Christian Griffith in the 1980's.
A
highball with ankle-breaking potential always makes V1 more interesting.
Derek Franz gingerly prepares to top out on "Contemplation." The "Cloud
Shadow Traverse" (V4 or V2) follows the chalked holds below.
Darlene
Kondo shakes off a pump on the very popular "Monkey Traverse" (V4 or
V2). "The Monkey Traverse" is probably the most visited bouldering area
on Flagstaff.
Feature
written by Derek Franz; April 2003. Boulder, Colorado. Pictures one
and three were taken by Will Maxwell. Derek has bouldered throughout
the area and brings the ease of finding these locations to you.
2000 Globetrotteradventures.com Inc |
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NOTES AND DIRECTIONS:
Flagstaff is one of the few things
about the Boulder area that has changed very little, despite a growing
number of visitors. This is truly marvelous since these playgrounds
of rock are within walking distance from the bustling traffic of
University Hill. If you are driving, simply head west on Baseline
Road and follow it as it winds up several switchbacks past The Flagstaff
House Restaurant. Higher up, there are several pullouts and even
a parking lot at the Monkey Traverse area. There are also many designated
trails that lead to some of the more remote problems. It should
be noted that other places like Mount Sanitas, the Flatirons and
Boulder Canyon are less visited and also contain bouldering of high
quality. All of these places can be found in Colorado Bouldering
by Philip Benningfield. Many other local, select bouldering guides
can also be found. |