"Bear Corners offers 155 feet of steady, two-pitch trad climbing tucked beneath prominent overhangs in Boulder’s Sacred Cliffs. It avoids the exposed sections of Green Corners, delivering solid protection and a rewarding experience for intermediate climbers seeking a straightforward multi-pitch adventure."
Bear Corners presents an inviting trad climb tucked into the heart of The Sacred Cliffs, part of Boulder’s renowned Flatirons. This two-pitch route offers 155 feet of steady climbing that balances accessibility with enough challenge to keep intermediate trad climbers engaged. The climb begins by following the initial pitch of nearby Bear Essentials, then veers left beneath prominent overhangs around the midpoint for a traversal into the line known as Green Corners. The rock feels solid underfoot, and the path cleverly avoids the unprotected and less appealing early portions of Green Corners, making this route feel both approachable and purposeful.
As you move through the first pitch, expect moderate granite edges and cracks that demand solid footwork and reliable gear placements. The traverse under the overhangs adds a dynamic element, as the rock seemingly pushes back with a subtle tension that challenges your balance and focus. The second pitch ascends Green Corners itself, where your rack finds steady opportunities for protection in clean cracks and natural stances.
After reaching the top anchor, descent options include a full 140-foot rappel to the base or a shorter drop to the Call Me a Cab anchor, followed by a second rappel to the ground. This flexibility in descent caters well to those who want efficiency or prefer to break the rappel into manageable sections.
Located within a heavily trafficked climbing zone in Boulder, Bear Corners is easily accessible, but the climb rewards attention to detail and prepared gear choices. While not groundbreaking in difficulty, the route’s flow and rock quality offer a gratifying experience that integrates well with the surrounding routes. For those aiming to explore The Sacred Cliffs’ quieter corners and appreciate reliable protection setups, Bear Corners stands out as a solid option.
Preparation should include a standard trad rack and familiarity with double-rappel techniques. The granite here holds well year-round, but winter climbs demand extra care with colder rock and potential ice patches, as evidenced by a notable ascent back in January 2004. Plan your visit during late spring to early fall for dry conditions, and bring layered clothing to adjust for Boulder’s variable mountain weather. Footwear with sticky rubber and good edging ability will help you maintain grip on the less featured slab sections.
Overall, Bear Corners fits well into a day of exploring the Flatirons, providing steady climbing and an enjoyable setting with Boulder’s skyline and foothills framing the ascent. This climb is a practical choice both for building trad skills and savoring the unique vibe of one of Colorado’s signature climbing areas.
Watch for loose rock in the approach area and near the traverse; the rappel anchors are reliable but require careful rigging, especially if breaking the rappel into two sections. Winter ascents may encounter icy patches—use caution.
Approach via The Sacred Cliffs trailhead; expect a 15-minute moderate hike with some elevation gain.
Plan your climb mid-week or early morning to avoid crowded routes and heat on exposed slabs.
Layer your clothing, especially in early spring or late fall, as Boulder’s weather shifts quickly in the foothills.
Double-check your rappel gear and knots before descending due to variable anchor setups.
A standard trad rack covers the gear needs for Bear Corners, with plenty of solid cracks for placement. Fixed anchors give options for long or shorter rappels, so bring a full 60-meter rope to comfortably complete the descent.
Upload your photos of Bear Corners and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.