PRINT: Rock Climb East Slab, Boulder Canyon

East Slab

5.6, Trad, 200 ft (61 m),

Avg: 3.1 from 565 votes
FA: unknown
Colorado > Boulder > Boulder Canyon > Dome

Access Issue: Seasonal Closures 2024 - Bitty Buttress, Blob (Eagle Rock & Security Risk now open!) Details

FS (3/27/24): Eagle Rock & Security Risk are now open!

2/1/24: W. McCurry: to protect nesting golden eagles, U.S. FS annual area closures in Boulder Canyon beginning 2/1/24 - Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, Eagle Rock, Security Risk.

USFS lifted closures 7/26/23.

From W. McCurry: 2/10/23 Blob, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk opened. Eagle Rock stayed closed - info: fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news….

W. McCurry, NFS, Arap./Roo. NF: USFS began annual area closures in BC 2/1/23. The closures were Eagle, Blob, Bitty Buttress, & Security.

Through 7/31/23, the closures protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory. Happy Hour, Bihedral & Riviera will remain open as long as visitors stay out of the closed areas.

The Boulder Ranger District with BCC monitors nesting progress & informs climbers about giving the eagles space to raise young.

Fed. & state laws prohibit disturbing any nesting bird of prey. Visitors help protect wildlife by respecting closures. Signs are posted at key access pts into the closed areas. Closure info: fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/eagles.

K. Armstrong, Public Affairs Specialist, Nat'l Forest Service: as of 6/8/21: BC areas reopen after unsuccessful nesting.

K. Armstrong, NF Ranger 7/29/20:

Following a 5 mo. closure to protect nesting eagles, the Roosevelt NF has reopened Eagle Rock.

“The BC eagles successfully raised 1 strong & healthy eaglet this year,” wildlife biologist Aurelia DeNasha, USDA FS. “2 chicks hatched initially, only 1 survived to fledge, which isn’t uncommon in birds of prey.”

Visits to the nest did not reveal the exact cause of death of the 2nd chick, but climber cooperation with closures are crucial to the eagles.

“Golden eagle pairs are most susceptible to disturbance when choosing a nest. These closures allow the birds to pick the best site for survival without impact of other factors, such as human presence. Once chosen, nest sites stays closed until the eagles fledge in late July,” said DeNasha.

After the eagles’ site selection was made, unused areas opened in Apr.

The annual nesting closures include popular rock climbing spots at Eagle, Blob, Bitty Buttress, & Security.

Effective through 7/31/20, the closures protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory. Happy Hour, Bihedral & Riviera remain open as long as visitors stay out of the closed areas.

The Boulder Ranger District partners with BCC & AF to monitor nesting progress and to inform climbers about the importance of giving the eagles space to raise their young.

It is against federal & state law to disturb any nesting bird of prey. Only employees, volunteers, & wildlife professionals under an agreement with the FS enter nesting areas for monitoring purposes. This is for the integrity of nest & the safety of the eagles, those conducting surveys, & the public. Visitors help protect wildlife by respecting all closures & leaving immediately if you should accidentally enter one.

For the most current closure information, check signs in the areas, call the Boulder Ranger District office @ 303-541-2500, or visit local climbing websites or fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/rec….

As of 4/21/20, Blob Rock, East Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk are open. Eagle Rock stays closed until 7/31/2020 confirmed with Matt Henry, Rec Prog Mgr, FS.

From K. Armstrong, FS Pub Aff, katherine.armstrong@usda.gov, 970-222-7607: 3/20/19, Blob, East Blob, Bitty Buttress, & Security are open. Eagle stays closed to climbing & other activities through 7/31/19.

The Boulder Ranger District partners with BCC & AF to monitor nesting progress & to inform climbers.

See - fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/rec….

Perennial notice:
Eagle, Blob, Bitty Buttress, & Security will close 2/1 - 7/31 for nesting. Depending on updated information, the closure time can be shortened/lengthened.

Each year, BC raptor nesting area closures are in effect starting 2/1 through 7/31 at Eagle, Security, Blob, & Bitty Buttress. The area is monitored & closures are periodically lifted early (due to no active nest, nest site failure, or early fledging). This monitoring program is a partnership with the FS Boulder Ranger District, BCC, & Audubon Society. Check back periodically during times of closure for updates. More info at fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/rec…

Access Issue: Parking has reopened Details

Per Sarah Z: the parking has reopened.

Per Prav C: as of September 2020, the parking (both sides) is completely closed off due to construction, and it appears the main trail to the Dome is closed too.

Description

This can be done in 1 or 2 pitches.

Start up a small dihedral (5.6) or take an easier start to the right (5.5). Follow the crack over a bulge, then onto the large face. Keep following the right crack to the roof. Either turn the roof at a dihedral to the left (red), which is the same finish to East of the Sun or take a crack straight up from the route.

Descent: walk off to the right side of the Dome.

Protection

A standard rack up to #3 Friend.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Great climb to take hero shot for 1st time leader (that was me in 1972).

Routes on The Dome:
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1. Prelude to King Kong.
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Left finish: Left Edge.
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Right finish: Gorilla's Delight.
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2. The Owl.
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3. Cozyhang.
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4. East of the Sun to East Slab.
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5. East Slab East.

Routes on The Dome: 1. Prelude to King Kong. Left finish: Left Edge. Right finish: Gorilla's Delight. 2. The Owl. 3. Cozyhang. 4. East of the Sun to East Slab. 5. East Slab East.

An after work freesolo of the East Slab in February.

For those curious about what the finish looks like now: the red line showing the flake that used to be there.

Found this copy of the old 5.10 guide at a hipster thrift shop.

Belaying from the summit.

View up East Slab.

Josh on an early morning solo of East Slab.

East Slab.

William and Sally at the base of East Slab. The start is the crack behind and left of us. Nice hands and feet make it easier than it appears as it runs up to and behind the block in this photo. Pho…

Brenda below the V-corner direct start to East Slab.

Picture taken by my friend Molly on East Slab, my first lead!

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Jeremy Gilbert

An excellent route on high-quality rock. A great beginner's lead with the opportunity to place a good amount of pro for practice. A bit runout towards the top, but climbing is easy and there are a few places for pro, if need be. Enjoy! Jan 1, 2001

Scott Thompson

Great climb! Perfect jams and some fun moves down low, I only wish the crack was another 100 feet long! Once the crack ended, I aimed for a small tree on the top, pulling on a large flake with bomber holds to gain the roof. Lots of variations possible once out of the main crack. Fun! Nov 25, 2001

William McGehee
Choctaw, OK

Liked the route. Not a good beginner lead. Holds are sparse at some points near the top of the crack. It just peters out. Interesting start and a fun route overall. Nov 23, 2002

William McGehee
Choctaw, OK

To tell you the truth, the start and last third of this route are incredibly sandbagged. I'd give the first 15' a good 5.7+ or better and the last bit 5.8 due to the size of the finger crack. Bad beginner lead and rather daunting for a beginning cleaner as well. Don't hit this one up unless you really know what you're doing. Feb 8, 2003

Stephen Allen

This is a great climb, it was my first lead trad climbing and was really fun. About half to two-thirds of the way up the climb there is a diagonal ledge that traverses a little ways to the climber's left; this is an easier way to climb the route (and probably the right way). I went straight up without traversing and got pretty nervous because of a tricky move to get up to a spot below the final roof (which is really easy). I hope this helps someone to avoid that situation (which would be scary if this is your first lead...). Feb 27, 2003

Gary Schmidt
Boulder, CO

Fun climb. I did this route as my first climb on real rock a couple of years ago and found it a little scary in parts, returned to it recently and of course it was a lot easier! Amazing how the rock had changed...I would rate it as a good beginner climb, but maybe not the best for ones first outing. The 5.6 start is a little tricky and unless u can trust your feet a bit, things get disconcerting when the crack runs out, though only for a couple of moves. Turning the roof can be a little intimidating for the beginner as well. But great climb. Only wish it was 3 times as long! Mar 22, 2003

Jonathan. D.

Excellent Route !!! I climbed it for the first time last Saturday. Ample pro until the crack finishes. I recommend climbing it in a single pitch (the Belay station is awkard and hard to protect .... at least I thought so !!!) Not a good first lead .... leave it for your 4th or 5th outing. May 5, 2003

DanMoore

Great route. I was just wondering why you'd do it in two pitches? Jun 24, 2003

James Garnett
Bellingham, WA

Hey William, you must've been having a bad day or been seriously off route; this one is a fair 5.5 after the start. True, the disappearing crack disappears, but the feet are always bomber, and there's (almost) always a bomber fingerhold within reach---and anytime you need to place pro you have a rest stance.I love turning the little wannabe roof off the flake at the top! Crank! CRANK, I tell you! Jul 15, 2003

William McGehee
Choctaw, OK

James, I suppose my reply would be that you're correct: there IS always a fingerhold somewhere and there are pretty good stances for gear placement (that is, WHEN you place gear...), but in the one really tricky part about 2/3 up the route, the holds have potential to FREAK out a beginner. That's all I'm saying. It's not impossible and it certainly ain't-not-fun, it's just a tad dicey for the first outing. I was the last climber on one rope (simuling) the first time I did this guy and never felt uncomfortable, but it did make me a little nervous to lead the first time. And crank I shall!WM Jul 28, 2003

James Garnett
Bellingham, WA

Very true, William. The footwork on this one makes it a good climb for "intermediate beginner" climber types who are ready for the next challenge, not for first timers wondering what trad is all about. I recently led this with only one good hand (the other too sore from a horked tendon) though, which was a good way to reinforce just how solid the feet are---although it made those tricam placements a little sketchy. Aug 6, 2003

Charles Danforth
L'ville, CO

Lead this one yesterday and was definitely humbled. "A mere 5.5," I said to myself. Should've checked the beta here first! I took the direct line after clearing the dihedralon the right side. The crack really does vanish in there somewhere (things are a little hazy) but there are a series of acceptable finger and toe pockets and diagonal fracturesspaced every fifteen feet or so. Traversing left on the top one and then back right under the roof might well yeild an easier route, but I was concerned with rope drag. Pro is good (smallish and medium cams and a couple nuts/hexes/tricams). Still, a south-facing wall in the hot noon-day sun and no chalk made the hands slipperier than I like, but the feet are solid. All in all, an exciting, fun climb with reasonably good gear and great exposure. I'd have to lobby for the 5.6 rating, rather than the 5.5 presented in various books. Not my first trad lead by any means, but certainly one of the more exciting ones. Aug 25, 2003

William McGehee
Choctaw, OK

Ok, the black feathers on my lips are from the crow I've been eating for supper... Looks like I was having a bad day back when I upgraded this one. Climbed it a week ago and put four pieces in. I was going for a speed ascent... If you just let the inhibitions go and throw big moves for fun, this is a 5.5+. How's that Smaller? Try it again and look for the awesome feet. If you're having trouble with the end of the crack proper, stack your feet until they can go no higher and look around for pockets. Just for the joke-record, my ascent time was :10 + or - a minute because I was fiddling with cams and having too much fun... Bummer...~Wm Oct 29, 2003

Petsfed 00
Snohomish, WA

5.5

If you don't belay from the tree, but rather the gash about 8 feet below and to the right of it, you can see your partner the whole time (once past the opening dihedral) and cut down on considerable rope drag. Its a third class scramble from there to the walk off gully. Save the trees! Nov 14, 2003

Matt Chan
Denver

5.6

The East Slab is a terrific first time lead. The pro is great for the first half of the route. I used lots of cams (#.5 - #3), a few stoppers, and a couple of hexes. A little spooky when the fist crack runs dry, but in my humble opinion, the ample pro will give any first time leader the confidence to finish the climb. Fun! 5.7- start in the dihedral (maybe 5.6+) and 5.5+ for the rest of the climb. Jan 16, 2004

James Garnett
Bellingham, WA

At the risk of starting a ratings debate, I'm adding a bit on this one. The primary difficulty that beginning leaders have on this rock is not that the moves are hard, but rather that they are not obvious. If you go slowly and pay careful attention to the climb---perhaps in a low-threat situation like following---you'll probably see that each move is quite straightforward, but that there is often only one rest stance at any point. It may be necessary to switch feet to be in the correct position to get to the next one. I'm 6'00" and there is exactly one place past the start where I find any need to resort to pure smearing with no handhold; a shorter person might need to make two such moves. At every other point there is a good rest stance (although some of them require thinner edging moves)---the kinds of things I expect to see on 5.4s. WIth that in mind, and considering that the degree of exposure should not inflate the grade, I feel safe in calling this a "fair 5.5." The trick is, of course, to wire the moves together in order to achieve that grade, and you're probably not going to be able to do that if you're jumping onto the route for the first time with no running beta. Note as well that the 5.6 start is like a microcosm of the entire climb: if you know the right things to do, it's 5.6. If you don't, then you can turn the start into a 5.8. (The key to the start is to not trust the chalk marks when feeling about for the correct place to jam.) This route a great example of one where a thoughtful approach will achieve more than a brute-force attack. Mar 15, 2004

George Bell
Boulder, CO

Compared to Eldo or the Flatirons, Boulder Canyon granite always seems slippery and sandbagged to me. I don't really know what I'd rate the East Slab, but it is certainly one of the easiest routes in Boulder Canyon, I can't think of anything easier in fact. I do not believe it is a good "first lead" for a beginner. The rock is slick if you are not used to Boulder Canyon granite and it's not like you can sew the thing up. In fact on the upper slab seems runout to me, but at least it is low angle. Mar 16, 2004

Fred Keith
Portsmouth & North Conway, NH

A true Friday after-work classic.

Hints:

At the very top of the crack, a #4 Rock. Jam up high and then reach up way high and to the right (1 o'clock) and there is sloper mantle to a jug....next to the jug is good #5 placement.

That way a direct line is taken and the slab sews-up. May 4, 2004

Tom Crosman

Led this again for the first time in 25 years. That's right, I'm an old fart. I first climbed the East Slab as part of the CMC IRCS class I took back in 1977. Thought a bit of perspective might be of interest.

While I and my partners waited for two other teams to climb the route, I noticed everyone was heading straight for the tree from the top of the jam crack. Back in the 70s we had 150' ropes and belayed below to location, where another comment indicates to crank. Our 150' ropes wouldn't let us do the route in one pitch. The belay point is over to the left. To get there, we'd diagonal up and left at the top of the jam rather than taking the current straight up to the tree route.

I know the route was rated 5.5+ back then. The current route doesn't seem much if any more difficult, but has a bit more run out.

Anyway the route was still a bunch of run for this old fart. I wouldn't recommend it for a first lead, although (IMO) it's a better protected first lead than anything on the Flatirons. May 8, 2004

Anonymous Coward

I felt sandbagged as a beginner follower and years later as a leader. You'd really have to have it worked, I think to go at 5.5 and most people don't. it's the kind of granite where your toe and finger have to be on the exact little crystal. Therefore, IMO, it onsights for most at .6 or better. Either way, it's recommended. Jun 12, 2004

Tim Silvers

5.6

The route did not disappoint. Excellent quality rock and a really fun lead for relatively new leaders (like me) who are comfortable with a little runout.

We had to leave a #2.5 tri cam that fell back into the crack somewhere between 20-30' up the 5.6 start to the route. It's a little too far back to get at with a nut tool, but if someone does fish it out, I'll give them $5 for it. Email me at silverbrothers@cs.com. Thanks and enjoy the route. Jun 15, 2004

James Garnett
Bellingham, WA

George- a couple of easier trade routes in Boulder canyon are the Pine Tree route (3rd Elephant Buttress) and the West Crack (Castle Rock). Both of these are also 5.5, but anyone at their limit on either would feel sandbagged by this one, imho. Jul 25, 2004

Jason williams
Parker, Colorado

Good route done in one pitch, belay at the tree at the top. You can tackle the roof at the very top or just move right and around it. The beginning felt 5.6+ and 2/3's up when the crack peters out felt 5.6. A first time leader probably wouldn't want that much excitement, otherwise it's a great warm-up for Cozy Overhang, etc. Aug 21, 2004

Anonymous Coward

I found this climb to be very enjoyable until you reach the end of the disappearing crack. Very dicey for the beginner because there is a twenty foot+ runout. The seriousness rating should be PG atleast. Jul 2, 2005

Lloyd Garrick
Arvada, CO

5.6

Did this over weekend, 1st time. Challenging right at beginning before crack. Crack is cool, then gone to a smooth slab with no holds. Always expect the unexpected - I like that! I dispute the rating - this is a solid 5.6 IMHO. colorado-hiking.net/dome1.html Sep 24, 2005

Jason Shatek

You don't need anything outside a standard rack; you don't need a lot of big gear. On 11/20/05 there were 4 parties lined up to do this route when we walked off "East of the Sun". Get there early if you want to do this popular route! Nov 21, 2005

Charlie Fried
Portland, OR

5.7

This route is fun, but way over rated for the demand of use that it receives! Jun 19, 2006

Fred Keith
Portsmouth & North Conway, NH

Guys, guys.

At (old) 5.5 difficulty, this route is tit.

It just takes some pro-placing talent that the current no-mind color-by-numbers lead climbers can't get.

The easiest line one can take up this part of the face certainly goes 5.5. There are many variations. A direct start w/o beta can seem 5.8.

I am constantly amazed on how orginal standards are being dumbed-down. If you guys think this shit is hard, try going to the Needles in SD, Devil's Lake or come east to Cathedral Ledge. Jul 10, 2006

YDPL8S
Santa Monica, Ca.

5.5

I agree with Fred, my first leads ever were Wind Ridge, Calypso, and East Slab. Back in the day, these three climbs defined what I thought of as the grade 5.5 ...makes sense to me! I don't even know what simpler climbs you could have someone lead for their first lead that wouldn't be just a toprope problem. Oct 22, 2007

Buzz Burrell
Boulder

I've soloed this route about 20 times so hopefully I know what I'm doing, and Cleve McCarty taught me to climb so I'm more old school than anyone here except George, and this route is solid 5.6. A short person unable to reach one of the solution pockets would have to hand jamb the crack and call it 5.7. Excellent route. Apr 15, 2008

Christina kalb
Boulder, CO

5.6

A fantastic route...great climbing and bomber gear! Oct 27, 2008

John Maguire
Boulder, CO

5.6 PG13

** Protection Beta *** For Beginner Leaders: When the top of the crack gets very run out, look for a second vertical crack an arms reach to the right that will take a #4 Metolius or similar sized cam. This protects the route well.

Feb 2, 2009

John Korfmacher
Fort Collins, CO

This is a fun lead whether you're a beginner or not.

And yes, the first move is 5.7. Mar 23, 2009

Jeff Fox
Delaware, OH

5.6

This can be done easily in one pitch with a 60m rope. Walk off to the east. May 30, 2009

Rob Davies UK
Cheshire, UK

5.6

Very good climb. UK grade mild VS (just) 4b. Oct 28, 2009

Petsfed 00
Snohomish, WA

5.5

Came back on Saturday, to do this again. This is always a good refresher to Boulder area trad-climbing in the sense that it still has a fair bit of heady climbing above gear (for the grade). There is some (not much) pro above where the crack runs out. However, you'll need a blue alien or yellow zero or one of those new white tricams for one placement, or be prepared to be in a lousy spot placing a #1 Camalot. Especially for the latter, these will feel like psych pro if you're gripped. Which is funny because you can get some AWESOME pro right in the top of the crack, and the climbing isn't that hard in the runout section. Doubly so since the hardest move of the runout section is the one where you commit to leaving the crack. If you blow it there, you won't go far. Nov 8, 2009

JVonD
Longmont, CO

Jack Fisher solo's the Dome in Boulder Canyon Colorado in his tennis shoes.
youtube.com/watch?v=Evwv3I6… Mar 2, 2010

George K. Watson
Nederland, CO

Did this fun little pitch today and scored a ton of gear. A #3 Camalot, a QD, and two biners', one locking. Made my day! Aug 11, 2010

Scott McMahon
Boulder, CO

5.6

Pretty continuous 5.6 the whole way. Holds and pockets materialize just where you need them, but expect solid 5.6 the whole way. I'd agree with maybe not doing this for your first lead as it can be a little heady.

Do as one pitch, lots of extra rope w/ a 60 meter. Aug 30, 2010

Rich F.
Colorado Springs, CO

5.7

Did this today in a howling wind -- 65 mph gusts at Nederland. About got blown off near the top! Great route. Direct start felt 5.7 to me for the first 9 ft. The rest of the climb to the "roof" was no harder than 5.6 IMO. Belayed below the roof, then walked to the left side of the "roof" and climbed the "tall", right-facing dihedral (see pic). Climbing (jamming & stemming) over that 10' section felt pretty stiff for 5.6. After rapping back down (to retrieve gear) I went over the roof the 2nd time about 20 ft right of the tall dihedral, and it was just an easy step over. Sep 6, 2010

Rodger Raubach
Billings, MT

5.6

Probably the nicest easily accessible climb in Boulder Canyon at the grade. I agree at 5.6, but difficulty depends on line taken. Can probably be done at 5.5 if absolute easiest line taken. Sep 9, 2010

keith story
Castlegar

Quality route with different climbing styles and smooth moves. Can be done with one 70m rope. Jul 22, 2011

Tim Farkas
Albuquerque, NM

5.6

This is a great route with varied climbing. It has good jams, a cool roof crank, some tenuous slab, and vertical stemming. Don't let the 5.6 fool you -- this rock is stout. I've climbed comparable 8s, and there's a short runout section that is spooky. The gear placements are available but tricky -- this is not a good beginner lead. Furthermore, the leader goes out of view of the belay almost immediately, and even if you do it in two pitches, communication will likely have to be done with the rope, especially if the river is high. As such, I recommend one pitch, since communication is a problem anyway, rope drag is not an issue, and p2 is super-duper short. Apr 9, 2012

Peter Lewis
Bridgton, ME

Used to guide this a lot back in the mid 1990s, so got it totally wired. Once climbed it with my friend Doug in 24 minutes, car-to-car (and yes, we led and belayed the route normally). It was quite aerobic, as I recall. May 28, 2012

Mitchell Rhodes

Today I on-sight free soloed this route directly. Pulling the roof was awesome. Graciously grabbing both sides of an amazing horn of rock that points ever abruptly down towards the void, my soul told me to cut feet, so I released, stabbed the ledge with my foot and felt dynamic perfection, rested, then continued onwards to the finish. Despite my belief that cruxing is almost completely self-imposed, I think I inevitably had a few edgy moments when the cracks die, just for a few feet, where I had to trust my foot jams, rubber, and ability before running into horizontal seams. I believe these couple moves can be done with utter solidity with a few practice sessions, onsight however, I believe it will be a little precarious for most. All in all, very inspiring route, great rock quality with sweet granite movement. Dec 15, 2012

attila

Unless I did another route by mistake, (I don't think so) this is a one pitch route, about 50 meters. Good route on quality rock. I think the crux is getting off the deck; the footing is a tad awkward. Feb 16, 2013

James Dean Anderson
Longmont, CO

5.6

Runout near the top could be reduced with small tricams in pockets. Didn't bring any, but I see how they could be useful if you are new to leading trad. Sep 6, 2013

Jim Fox
Westminster, CO

5.6

Climbed this on Father's Day with my son. This was my first climb in CO when I moved here many years ago & my son's first trad climb this time. It was also my first climb anywhere in about 15 yrs and first lead in about 17 yrs.

A really fun climb, albeit a little scary in places for the grade. Getting off the ground is the hardest part, especially for shorter folks (I'm 5'9"). Protects well except for the section above the crack.

I climbed extensively in the past and felt comfortable leading this, despite the long hiatus since last climbing. I would agree with some of the other reviewers that this might be a tough lead for 1st time trad leaders but only due to the difficulty of placing pro in the section above the crack.

I never felt that there was much difference between 5.6 and 5.7 but could argue for either rating. It was rated 5.5 at one time, but that's probably a sandbag. I'd call it 5.6, but I might just be getting old.... Jun 25, 2014

David Tennant
Denver, CO

5.6

Definitely beyond doable in 1 pitch with a 60m. Crux was the start. Jul 17, 2014

Emil Briggs

I'm not exactly sure how the route finishes. It seemed like there were multiple ways you could climb the top part. All of them looked pretty easy but some a bit more runout than others for a new leader. Aug 9, 2014

Dave Miller
Boulder

I never intended to solo The Dome 792 times since I was 25 yrs. I guess when you like something.... May 31, 2015

Aaron Sefton
Lakewood, CO

Easy access from Boulder and the road, great pro options up through the end of the vertical crack, super fun climbing with a few spots that require creativity, an easier run out section, jugs on the roof as you trend right from the crack, easily 1 pitch with a 70m rope, a solid tree at the top to build the anchor, minimal rope drag from the top, a fairly easy walk off to the right from the top... WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT?!

Getting off the ground and then, later, leaving the vertical crack two-thirds up are the cruxes and keep the route interesting. Mar 31, 2018

Michael Stahl
Boulder, CO

Climbed East Slab today and found that the flake at the roof has broken off. That makes the move a little harder as there are no longer the jugs there once were to pull on. Sad, as I loved finishing the route with that fun move on great holds. Jul 9, 2019

matthouse

Really bummed to find the flake near the top gone. Probably should have checked the comments before heading out today. That was a fun move. You can climb some knobby slab just to the right and end up in the same spot. Sep 18, 2019

Lindsay M

I actually found the route to be more fun now without the flake. I used the same finish, just used the handjams that are now available with the flake gone. Same sort of movement as before. Feb 12, 2020

Cole Pazar
Boulder, CO

Personal gear list (bottom to top):

#1 BD,
#0.4 in pin scar,
#3 BD,
#2 (optional),
#0.75 top of first crack,
#0.5 Totem (to backup the last #2),
#2 (runout slab last piece right where the crack ends),
offset nuts in the roof, or #0.2–#0.3 horizontal crack out right,
#1 or #3 (optional nearing the top).

Sling the tree. Mar 21, 2020

Brennan Tesdahl
Rapid City, SD

Excellent route. Physical and balancy start followed by awesome jams until the crack runs out and it becomes less vertical. Easy to sew it up until the crack runs out. Either a BD #2 cam/equivalent or a BD #12 stopper/equivalent will protect the committing move out of the crack onto the slab. The tree is far away for the anchor. If you save gear in the 0.5 to #1 Camalot range (nuts or cams), there is a solid crack at the top with a good belay stance to see your partner for the last 2/3 of the route. Aug 13, 2021

Thomas Cristiano
Longmont

Small thing, I would rate the final roof at 5.6 now that the flake broke off. It is also maybe slightly height-dependent. I usually have a good memory for such things and hadn't been there in like 20 years, so was a bit confused by it. :) Sep 18, 2022

Sarah Z
Golden

5.6

This is one of the most high quality 5.6 pitches on the wall. Fun, varied climbing. Definitely recommend being a solid 5.8 leader for this climb as the Dome has challenging gear placements throughout. I found the climbing more enjoyable than The Owl even. Nov 3, 2022

Matt Gowie
Boulder, CO

WARNING: do not try to lower your climber back down to the ground from the tree anchor at the top. We attempted this today with a 70m rope as my girlfriend and I both wanted to lead it clean without following. I ended up lowering her to the knot at the end of our rope (which I am very happy is a strong compulsion for me to tie), and she was still 15 feet in the air. Pretty scary, so avoid that at all costs!, and always knot the end of your rope!

Also, this is a great climb and very much worth doing! Sep 10, 2023