8-9 Doubletruck (13)

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APRIL 18 - 24, 2006 THE CAMPUS PRESS

THE CAMPUS PRESS APRIL 18 - 24, 2006

I N F OCUS »

Blue skies, bolts

&

dirty feet

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Story by Monica Banks - Design by Debra Thiegs

Boulderʼs hiking and climbing hot spots

CP Photo/Katie Klane The Mount Sanitas loop, pictured above, offers numerous beautiful geological rock formations that appeal to both hikers and climbers.

Everyone knows the way to their favorite ski mountain, but where do we go when the snow melts away?

CP Photo/Niall Bouzon The Flatirons jut sharply into the sky from the main trail in Chautauqua Park in Boulder. The trail leads to several popular climbing and hiking spots and some of the best views along the Rocky Mountain base.

Hiking For shorter hikes, there are a number of loops starting at the Ranger Cottage in Chautauqua Park. For one that still provides a good workout and beautiful scenery, take Chautauqua trail to Bluebell Baird, left on Bluebell-Baird to the shelter, then return to the cottage on the Mesa fire road. This hike is less than two miles and can be completed in a couple of hours. The Green Mountain Loop provides a nice hike if you have the entire day for hiking. Check out the map at the base of the trail. Starting out at the Ranger Cottage in Chautauqua, there are a variety of routes and you should know where you want to go before you start your hike. Routes and mileages starting at the Ranger Cottage in Chautauqua Park can be found on the map at http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/openspace/. Walker Ranch is a bit of a longer hike or bike ride, offering 12 miles of trail. This loop takes one through part of Eldorado State Canyon Park, drops down to South Boulder Creek twice and has varying terrain. There are also more leisurely options for a quick stroll through nature. The lower Mt. Sanitas loop offers a nice and easy escape. This is an easy path without much incline, but it still allows hikers to get in touch with mother nature, especially when there is little time to spare. The Mt. Sanitas trailhead is in North Boulder on the north side of Mapleton Ave.

with easy access that make them a popular destination for all climbers. On days it may seem impossible to get a climb in at Eldorado Canyon because of the crowds, head back to the West Ridge. “Itʼs really beautiful, when thereʼs a party at every peak at the bottom of the canyon, it can seem you have the place all to yourself,” said climber Rick Hatfield, who is also a park ranger with the City of Boulder. For beginners and those just looking for some good bouldering, check out Crown Rock. A little more than two miles up Flagstaff Road, it is a quick getaway. It has couple of easy top-roping routes and some shorter routes for those

Climbing Boulder is well known for its climbing, and for good reason. The Flatirons offer a variety of routes

Hikers are able to relax at the top of Mount Sanitas climb.

just looking for a quick workout on the rocks. Another great route for all times of the year is Dome Rock. Its orientation allows the rock to get great sunlight year-round. About half a mile up Boulder Canyon on the right hand side, it is close enough for a quick trip, but high enough to get the wilderness experience. The south-facing wall offers moderate climbs and a fun traverse. For climbers looking to escape the crowds, head to Seal Rock. It lays claim to routes reminiscent of the Flatirons -minus the crowds -- because of the hike in. Take the Mesa trail up to the Harmon Cave trail. From there hike left in along the slab to a bunch of rock debris at the base. From here hike west a bit and start climbing. This spot becomes more popular when the Third Flatiron closes down for wildlife protection from February 1 to July 31. Climbs are rated based on the “crux,” or hardest part of the climb. The Yosemite Decimal System, or YDS, is the North American rating system. The first number designates the type of climb, which is always a five for free climbs, and the second number designates the difficulty. Gregory Canyon Amphitheater, located on the left where Baseline starts winding up Flagstaff, has a variety of routes. This route can sometimes look busy at the bottom, but keep hiking and the crowds disappear. Routes can range from a 5.2 to a 5.12, and include a few bolted routes. Bolted routes have gear permanently attached to the rock as opposed to traditional or “trad” climbing where you donʼt leave any gear CP Photo/Katie Klane in the rocks. (above) after a short “I like it because you get so high so quickly,

CP Photo/Niall Bouzon Climbers Eric Ellis (left) and Alex Brown get out for some spring bouldering up Baseline at Flagstaff on Thursday, April 14. They are working on Monkey Traverse, rated by some as a V4.

and there is usually no one around,” said Kaitlin Silbaugh, climber and board member of the CU Alpine club. Silbaugh studies management and finance at CU and began climbing in 2002. “I like climbing because I love knowing that I can do something that seems so physically impossible,” Silbaugh said. “Iʼm an alpine climber mostly. You feel so much closer to God at the top.” For those who are used to climbing at the gym, Sport Park exports gymnasium-style climbing to the outdoors. With a variety of routes for all abilities, it is a popular destination for all types of climbers, Hatfield said. Its popularity has caused some wear and tear on the rock, which has been bolted, chipped and had pieces glued on. “We donʼt allow climbers to bolt on our rocks, but Sport Park isnʼt on our land and has suffered,” Hatfield said. Sport Park is owned by the U.S. Forestry Service, which doesnʼt have the resources to prevent bolting everywhere, Hatfield said. However, bolting is not always bad for rocks. Since Sport Park is climbed so often, the wear of “trad“ climbing would chip away the rock much quicker than the bolts. Also, bolted routes are often more climbed by beginners who donʼt have the equipment or arenʼt comfortable with “trad“ climbing. From climbing to the top to leisure hikes, there are a number of opportunities for spring adventures. Remember to bring plenty of water, a granola bar or two, and a map. Also, always stay on the trail. Park rules are set to protect both patrons and wildlife, and are different in different parks, so itʼs important to check the signs at the bottom of the trail before the hike. It is also important to abide the Leave No Trace policy to keep parks and trails in good condition. If you take care of the trail, the trail will take care of you.

Located at the bottom of the Flatirons, Boulder is renowned for its hiking and climbing trails. So when the ski season is over, there is plenty to keep you busy.

Mind your manners Be careful to avoid wildlife closures. These areas have been closed to protect wildlife in its breeding seasons. Golden eagles, bald eagles, ospreys, Peregrine falcons, bears, mountain lions and elk are all protected by these closures. Ranger Lynette Anderson, a CU environmental studies graduate, has been a Park Ranger with Boulder County Parks and Open Space for five years. “It’s tough to balance human wants and wildlife needs,” Anderson said.

CP Photo/Katie Klane Mount Sanitas Trail offers a short, scenic hike with a great view of Boulder and many rocks for avid rock climbers.