Rising sharply within the Safeway Spires, "I Am Too And So Are You" stakes its claim as the second tallest tower in this striking cluster near Boulder, Colorado. This compact boulder beckons climbers with its raw, earthy character and a single pitch that compresses challenge and thrill into a mere 22 feet of vertical engagement. The tower’s distinctive mulch bed isn’t just a landing—it’s a natural crash pad that invites confident mantels and slick topouts, though one misstep here demands respect and precision.

The approach to this climb threads through the outskirts of the City of Boulder, opening beneath a wide sky and punctuated by the gentle crunch of footsteps over dry earth and scattered pine needles. Here, the air carries a crisp buzz of mountain freshness, occasionally stirred by a whispering breeze that nudges the tower’s slender form. At 40 degrees north latitude, the Safeway Spires enjoy balanced exposure, soaking morning sun early while offering afternoon shade that cools down the rock surface, especially in summer’s heat.

Suitably rated 5.9 V0, the route is an accessible gateway for trad climbers stepping into bouldering’s merge. Protection centers on sound gear placements within natural features, and the mulch bed below cushions potential falls but calls for controlled movements over its forgiving yet uneven surface. The climb asks for a steady focus during the mantel—the moment when hands and feet push over the edge, transferring weight like a dance of trust between climber and rock. This move is the route’s quiet echo of challenge, inviting climbers to hone body awareness and precision.

Safeway Spires itself stand as a quietly unconventional playground, less crowded but richly rewarding. The boulder’s proximity to Boulder’s urban edge makes it an ideal afternoon destination for those seeking a quick yet intense session. Early spring and fall lend the best weather windows with stable temperatures and lower wind speeds, while summer afternoons bring welcome shade to ease the climb’s physical demands.

Gear recommendations are straightforward but important: bring a standard trad rack focusing on small to medium cams and nuts, as placements reward patience and practiced judgement. Boulder shoes with a snug fit enhance edge control on the low-angle holds leading to the topout. Stay hydrated and time your climb to avoid the midday sun, especially in warmer months.

This brief but potent tower celebrates the union of bouldering agility with traditional protective strategies. Its mulch bed, though forgiving, is not a safety net to be taken lightly—precision on the mantel will safeguard your ascent and prepare you for longer, more demanding towers in the spires. After topping out, climbers return via a simple downclimb, stepping carefully back onto the earthy bed that cushions and connects one climb with the next.

For those drawn to boulder-trad hybrids that favor thoughtful sequences over sheer power, "I Am Too And So Are You" offers a compact adventure with a view that stretches across Boulder’s foothills and beyond—the kind of climb that stays with you not for its height alone, but for the rhythm it demands and the quiet satisfaction of a mantle well done.