Basic Rock Climbing School Graduation Day
A couple weeks ago, we took Shawn and Jack up Stairway to Heaven, for their Basic Rock School Graduation Climb. Now it was Stacey, JJ, and Sean’s turn for their graduation climb. Mike decided we should go to Castle Rock in Boulder Canyon as the West Face would be a fun route for all. It’s 2 pitches to the top of the formation and a couple of rappels down. From the top, there are really awesome views of the canyon and Boulder creek.
Stairway to Heaven follows the yellow line up the top edges of the fins of rock.
On Sunday, after running the Federal Cup 5K, and previously climbing Swanson’s Arete, I co-led a rock climbing graduation climb for 2 of my CMC Boulder’s Basic Rock Climbing students, Jack and Shawn.
Mike, the senior instructor and trip leader, picked the perfect grad climb: Stairway to Heaven (5.3). It is a fun climb with a few mild but interesting challenges. I was excited to climb something new and in a more remote location. On a pretty day like today, there was bound to be scads of climbers on Flatirons 1-5!
Also, I was super happy Andy climbed with us. He assisted with belay transfers, which greatly improved our ascent efficiency. He also helped me to communicate with Mike, who was way out in lead. Thanks, Andy!
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