Junior Achievement is a steep, two-pitch trad climb gripping the west face of Overhang Rock, just south within Boulder’s Flatirons. This route follows an understated right-facing dihedral that stretches partway up the rock, marking the final major feature visible from the north. While technically rated 5.8, the climb demands more than just textbook moves, rewarding those ready to push past average difficulty into a sturdier, more physical line.

The approach requires a short scramble up some loose 4th-class terrain to reach a dirty ledge under the climb. The setting here feels raw and unpolished, as if the rock dares you to engage fully with its rugged personality. Pitch one starts from this ledge, climbing past large flakes and blocks guiding you toward bulges, each offering solid cracks for protection though not always perfectly aligned with the line. The crux lies on the second bulge, which involves a leftward traverse over jugs thickly coated in bat guano—a slick element that can complicate holds and calls for controlled boldness. Once past the crux, a ramp opens up to a spacious belay in the dihedral’s cradle.

Pitch two raises the stakes as the route climbs a more intimidating dihedral rated 5.8. There’s also an alternate, more exposed variation involving a traverse right across a broad slab at 5.4, where protection is sparse but available if placed prudently. From the traverse or the main dihedral, the line continues up a challenging hand crack before negotiating a section of loose, rotten blocks and an overhanging slot near the top. Protection here is spotty and requires careful judgment, especially before the slot crux, so solid rack management becomes critical. The exposure intensifies as the ridge nears, and the final summit sits about 50 feet south.

Descending demands equal attention; a rappel down the east face with a 60-meter rope reaches the ground in one go. Longer ropes may necessitate a second rappel from a tree below, and slinging trees for anchors is advised, so bringing extra webbing is essential.

Gear wise, the route calls for a standard trad rack with an emphasis on a #3.5 Camalot, which proves invaluable for larger crack protection. While protection placements are generally solid, some sections require creative placement strategies, especially on the upper pitch where loose blocks mingle with overhangs.

Overhang Rock is part of the iconic Flatiron formations, offering bold, steep climbing just a short hop from Boulder’s urban energy. Its reputation for exposure and biomechanical complexity underscores careful preparation and respect for unpredictable rock conditions. The west-facing wall means warm afternoon sun illuminates the route, so early starts on warmer days can provide comfortable shade. Fall and spring offer balanced temperatures, while summer mornings reward early risers before the heat intensifies.

Junior Achievement suits climbers seeking two pitches of focused, adventurous trad climbing, where mental grit and efficient gear use meet raw, gritty rock. The nearby city of Boulder offers plenty of post-climb amenities and community knowledge, but this route demands self-reliance and caution on both approach and descent. Whether your goal is to refine crack technique or savor a no-frills trad experience with a touch of exposure and loose rock challenge, Junior Achievement stands as an accessible yet demanding route, a solid addition to any Flatirons climbing day.