Adventure Collective
HomeClimbingFlat Earth Two Ways

Flat Earth Two Ways: A Unique Trad and Sport Climb in the Tarryall Range

Colorado Springs, Colorado United States
tricams
bolt anchors
slab climbing
chicken heads
multi-pitch
Colorado trad
sport crux
Length: 170 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
2
Location
Flat Earth Two Ways
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Flat Earth Two Ways presents a rewarding blend of traditional and sport climbing over two pitches. With specialized gear requirements and a diverse climbing style, this route offers a practical challenge wrapped in the quiet expanse of Colorado’s Tarryall Range."

Flat Earth Two Ways: A Unique Trad and Sport Climb in the Tarryall Range

Flat Earth Two Ways challenges climbers to step into an experience that blends geological curiosity with solid climbing on Colorado’s South Platte corridor. Located in the Globe area of the Tarryall Range, this two-pitch route unfolds over 170 feet of clean rock that shifts from classic traditional protection to precise sport climbing. The first pitch invites you to run a well-protected line peppered with specialized tricams, focusing on particular pink and black sizes that find snug homes in cracks and edges. Each move feels like a physical echo from a lost era, as though the rock itself remembers the days when prehistoric creatures ruled these slopes.

After reaching the bolted belay, the second pitch turns sportier and more playful. Moving immediately up and right, you’ll find yourself balancing on solid edges before pausing at a mini-roof packed with chicken heads that demand both mental focus and savvy footwork. The crux calls for sharp attention to detail and slab-style confidence, rewarding climbers with sweeping views that pull your eyes toward the sprawling wilderness below. The bolted anchors provide secure finishes, giving teams a reassuring endpoint to this engaging climb.

It's not just about the moves—Flat Earth Two Ways delivers a climbing journey steeped in practical challenges and aesthetic rewards. Climbers should come prepared with a full set of tri-cams, especially targeting the unique sizes noted for pitch one. The rock's texture invites an intimate dance with the gear as you carefully place protection that feels solid yet more demanding than typical trad climbs. Meanwhile, the sport pitch balances technical movement with the comfort of reliable bolts, creating a hybrid experience that caters to both traditionalists and sport enthusiasts.

Tarryall’s geography adds a rugged backdrop; the semi-remote nature of the area means fewer crowds and more interaction with raw, exposed terrain. The approach is straightforward but calls for sturdy boots and sufficient hydration, given the elevation and exposed sun. The early morning light casts strong shadows on the wall’s face, so starting climbs mid-morning can provide the best lighting and grip conditions. Late-season ascents offer crisp air and quieter trails, but spring melts can leave the ground slick, demanding caution on the approach.

In short, Flat Earth Two Ways offers a balanced, immersive climbing experience—energetic but grounded, challenging but accessible. It’s an ideal route for those who want to hone their rack skills while savoring a route that feels as much like an adventure into history as a physical climb. Whether you’re locking cams into ancient fissures or clipping bolts before a thin move, the climb rewards focus, balance, and respect for the rock beneath your hands.

Preparing well with the right gear, timing your ascent correctly, and staying aware of seasonal conditions will help you make the most of what this south Platte gem has to offer. It’s a climb that, once experienced, sticks with you—not just for the technical lines but for the feeling of walking a ridge where the earth tells a story all its own.

Climber Safety

Watch your step on the approach, especially during wet conditions in spring seasons. Rock quality is solid but be vigilant with gear placements on pitch one, where natural protection is specific and must be carefully tested before trusting.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches2
Length170 feet

Local Tips

Bring a comprehensive set of tri-cams, paying attention to pink and black sizes for secure placements on pitch one.

Start climbs mid-morning to avoid harsh shadows and get optimal friction on the wall.

Prepare for slipperiness on the approach trail during spring melt—wear sturdy boots with good grip.

Hydrate well and pack sun protection; the platform is exposed during midday hours.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 rating here feels true to Colorado trad standards, with the first pitch offering well-protected moves that demand precise cam placements, which can elevate the challenge slightly. The second pitch, rated sport, introduces a technical crux that may push climbers used to straightforward 5.8 routes. The overall grade is approachable, yet it requires a confident foothold and gear savvy comparable to other Tarryall classics.

Gear Requirements

Pitch 1 requires a full set of tricams focusing on two pink and one black size placements, along with small stoppers and a light rack to 0.75. Pitch 2 is fully bolted with 7 bolts and bolted anchors on both pitches.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Flat Earth Two Ways and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

tricams
bolt anchors
slab climbing
chicken heads
multi-pitch
Colorado trad
sport crux