"A brief but rewarding 25-foot crack climb in Boulder's Flatirons, "Everybody Has An Opinion" offers trad climbers a compact challenge to sharpen their skills. Ideal as a quick warm-up or a technique-focused outing, this route demands attentive gear placements and steady movement up the corner’s subtle crux."
Just a short climb by length, "Everybody Has An Opinion" offers a focused burst of traditional climbing right in Boulder’s iconic Flatirons. This route stretches roughly 25 feet, packing its line into a crisp, corner crack that demands steady feet and careful gear placement. Though brief, the climb carries a character all its own—a reminder that quality isn’t always measured by duration. Approaching the climb, you’ll find yourself moving cautiously yet confidently from the ground into the corner’s iconic opening moves, where the 5.8 crux rises like a silent test of balance and control. The rock’s texture is rough but forgiving, and the sequence encourages you to feel out each hold, work your fingers around edges and under flakes, and trust your placements.
Protected mostly by small to fist-sized cams, this traditional route calls for precise gear work. The corner pitches you just a few body lengths upward—enough to sharpen your crack climbing skills without demanding hours of endurance. At the top, a sturdy tree offers a secure belay anchor. From there, descending involves a short scramble eastward, stepping down carefully into a chimney that guides you safely back to solid ground.
Setting off from the popular Flatirons area near Boulder, climbers can expect a straightforward approach along well-traveled trails lined with towering pines and sun-warmed granite surfaces that invite exploration. The route’s compact length and moderate rating make it a perfect warming-up project or a quick excursion for those ticking off multiple climbs in a day. While it doesn’t promise prolonged drama, the crack’s natural shape and the need for tactical placements deliver an engaging puzzle that’s rewarding for both newcomers sharpening their trad skills and experienced climbers seeking an accessible yet interesting pitch.
Timing your climb ideally in the morning or late afternoon allows the rock to remain comfortably cool, especially during summer months, and the east-facing aspects catch just enough sun to keep hands warm but not slick. Planning to bring a small rack focused on cams from tiny to fist size ensures you’re ready for the tight but straightforward crack system. Hydration and solid footwear supporting sensitive toe jams will keep you steady throughout the ascent.
In the context of Flatirons climbing, "Everybody Has An Opinion" might not be the headline act, but it certainly earns a place as a compact classic. It’s an invitation to refine technique, test judgment on gear placements, and experience that immediate connection between fingers, feet, and rock. For those drawn to traditional climbing with minimal fuss yet enough challenge to stay gripping, this route provides a measured step into the textures and rhythms of Boulder sandstone climbing.
Watch for loose rock near the top and ensure your gear placements are carefully assessed; the route’s short length means an unexpected slip can quickly result in a ground fall if protection isn’t secure. The descent involves a scramble through a chimney—take your time to avoid missteps.
Aim for morning or late afternoon climbs to avoid slick rock sun exposure.
Wear precise climbing shoes to handle delicate toe jams in the corner.
Double-check your small cam placements — protection is thin but reliable.
Use the tree anchor at the top for a solid belay before scrambling down safely.
Bring a rack loaded with small to fist-sized cams to confidently protect the tight corner crack. A strong anchor tree tops the route for belay, and a simple scramble eastward leads to a comfortable descent.
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