Perched on the second terrace of Goat Rock, High Flying Goats offers climbers a focused taste of alpine sport climbing with a solid, direct line on a striking black slab. The route begins by sharing four bolts with its neighbor, Eric The Goat, before veering right into a narrow, finger-width dihedral that challenges you with precise movement into and out of the crack. Passing a small, weathered tree, the climb pushes straight upward along an irregular crack system, demanding clean technique to maintain balance and flow. At around 100 feet, this climb doesn’t stretch the endurance limits, but it delivers a sustained series of moves on clean rock that's both stable and engaging. The alpine setting gives it a raw, open-air feel where the wind plays among the pines and the vast Colorado sky expands the sense of space, pushing climbers to focus inward on their sequence while still feeling the expanse around them.

From a practical standpoint, the route requires a full rack of quickdraws — fourteen recommended — and a rope at least 60 meters to make the single-pitch ascent and safely lower from the double-bolt anchor atop. Expect well-protected but athletic climbing; the clip placements occur on solid bolts, while the crack section calls for controlled body positioning rather than protection. The approach to the base is straightforward, easily accessed from Goat Rock’s eastern trails, offering a quick transition from forested walk-in to exposed slab. Timing your climb for mid-morning to early afternoon lets the wall catch sunlight without overheating, while late season climbs bring crisp air that sharpens focus and grip.

For those familiar with the nearby routes, High Flying Goats stands out because of its clean slab and crack combination, balancing technical footwork with upper-body strength. While rated 5.8, some sections feel slightly stiffer than the grade suggests, especially when edging around the dihedral’s tightest spots. It’s a great climb for sport climbers looking to test endurance on alpine rock without the commitment of longer multi-pitch routes.

Safety-wise, the slab’s texture provides enough friction to feel stable underfoot, but climbers should remain mindful of occasional loose blocks near the crack and avoid scrambling above the anchor. Weather can change quickly in this mountainous zone, so packing layers and checking forecasts is essential for a safe, comfortable climb. Hydration matters here—dry air and steady elevation gain on the approach can sap energy quickly, so bring more water than you expect to need.

High Flying Goats rewards with a satisfying send that combines the clarity of sport climbing with the atmosphere of alpine terrain. It’s perfect for climbers who want a sharp, concise challenge with a neat mixture of climbing styles in a quietly dramatic setting.