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Flashdance: A Bold Trad Classic on Eldorado’s Redgarden Wall

Boulder, Colorado United States
trad crack
single pitch
exposed traverse
solid rock
Eldorado Canyon
moderate protection
scenic views
spring climbing
fall climbing
Length: 110 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Flashdance
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Flashdance on Eldorado’s Redgarden Wall delivers a solid single-pitch trad climb packed with technical crack and pocket sequences. Expect engaging moves on reliable rock, with thoughtful gear placements and a memorable traverse into one of Eldo’s striking alcoves."

Flashdance: A Bold Trad Classic on Eldorado’s Redgarden Wall

Stepping onto Flashdance’s approach angle on Redgarden Wall immediately places you in the midst of Eldorado Canyon’s raw geology and climbing heritage. This 110-foot single-pitch route demands both commitment and finesse, inviting climbers to engage with solid, textured rock that holds firm beneath your fingers. The climb begins on a narrow, pillar-like band of stone, echoing the start of Upper Grand Giraffe, where a clean crack offers reliable hand and foot jams for the opening six meters. From there, a purposeful traverse pulls you about twenty feet to the right, to a line where pockets and edges tie directly beneath a striking dark red alcove—the basement roof to Grand Giraffe’s belay stance.

From this point onward, the rock challenges you with moves that feel dynamic yet fair, reminiscent of classic routes like Alice In Bucketland or Body Tremors. You'll find yourself threading between positive holds and pockets while placing gear sparingly but thoughtfully, staying mindful of the R-rating’s call for caution. An adventurous streak on this climb will push you to pick your path, wandering slightly to manage fall potential — a dance of control and boldness. Those seeking to extend their push can link to the sixth-pitch variation of Grand Giraffe, sidling out right along an arete and through a demanding bulge that steps up the difficulty but retains moderate exposure.

A 70-meter rope equips you efficiently for ascent and subsequent rappels, with a belay anchored by a tree at the summit for added peace of mind. The rack recommended to tackle Flashdance is light by Eldo standards, ranging up to a #3 Camalot for those larger cracks and occasional huecos, so carrying a few extra large cams caters well to the route’s natural gear options. In terms of setting, the Redgarden Wall enjoys uninterrupted views characteristic of the Boulder foothills, with the sun moving steadily across the face, offering morning shade before warming up by midday—ideal for spring and fall climbing days.

The approach to Flashdance is straightforward, following established trails from Eldorado Canyon State Park’s Redgarden area, with a roughly 15 to 20 minute walk that crosses forested paths and rocky ledges. This ensures your gear stays ready for action, not soaked in sweat before you even reach the cliff’s base. Though the rock is largely reliable, the R-rating signals moments where gear placement demands confidence and attention; less experienced climbers will benefit from solid trad skills and a mindset keyed into risk management.

Descent is via a double-rope rappel from the belay tree, a routine yet critical step to safely exit the wall. Keep an eye out for loose stones near your stance, and use extra care during lower-off transitions to avoid any slip in this compact but steep terrain. Flashdance stands as a rewarding route for those who want more than a warm-up climb, offering a blend of technical moves, solid protection, and a classic Eldo atmosphere that keeps you connected with climbing’s bold spirit.

Climber Safety

Though the rock is mostly solid, sections with limited protection require confident trad gear skills and precise placements. Pay close attention during the traverse to avoid runouts, and confirm anchors thoroughly at the belay tree before rappelling.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length110 feet

Local Tips

Use a 70m rope for efficient ascent and rappel.

Start early to benefit from morning shade on the wall.

Place gear frequently to manage the R-rating’s risk sections.

Approach via the Redgarden area trail, allowing 15–20 minutes from the parking lot.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8 R
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 R grade reflects moderate technical climbing punctuated by sections where protection is sparse and careful gear placement is necessary. While the moves stay generally accessible, the traversing and occasional blank spots demand composure, making this feel like a slightly stiff 5.8 compared to neighboring routes. For climbers familiar with Eldorado’s style, Flashdance offers a manageable but engaging risk-reward balance akin to nearby classics like Alice In Bucketland.

Gear Requirements

A light trad rack is sufficient up to a #3 Camalot, with a few extra-large cams helpful for occasional wide cracks and huecos.

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Tags

trad crack
single pitch
exposed traverse
solid rock
Eldorado Canyon
moderate protection
scenic views
spring climbing
fall climbing