La Facada Norte demands respect amid the sprawling slabs of Ironing Board, where the rock’s smooth, angled faces challenge both gear placements and your nerve. This single-pitch trad climb, stretching 140 feet, threads a line through beige-hued slabs in the rugged Narrows area of Big Thompson Canyon, just outside Estes Park, Colorado. From the moment you step off the ground, you’re greeted by slabby dihedrals and clean bolts, but also a route that requires careful footwork and confident protection reads. The start leans into a subtle ramp with moderate moves at 5.8 difficulty, easing you into the climb before the terrain steepens and technicality rises.

Above, the rock transitions into a left-facing corner carved by a roof system, offering solid gear placements but demanding strategic thought. The crack to the right near the roof welcomes cams up to two inches, providing crucial protection for this otherwise runout section. The crux hits hard as you navigate around the roof at a tricky 7+ move, testing your balance and mental toughness. Beyond this, a final bolt marks a resting stance before the climbing angles sharply toward a V-shaped slot, where exposure and thin protection push the grade to a sustained 5.9. This last section warns against complacency, as the runout nature underscores the need for precise technique and steady nerves.

The rock’s beige slabs gleam in Colorado’s high-altitude sun, warmed but not scorched thanks to the canyon’s north-facing orientation that delivers shade in the afternoon. Sound carries oddly here—wind whispers over the slabs, and nearby pine needles occasionally scatter, reminding you of nature’s ever-present watch. Descent is straightforward; a two-bolt anchor at the summit, shared with the nearby Hair of the Dog route, allows for a tidy rappel or a careful downclimb back to base.

Practical preparation is key. Shoes with precise edging capabilities will serve you well on the slab sections, while a rack covering micro to medium cams up to two inches ensures your protection needs are met without carrying unnecessary weight. The access to the shaded Narrows means climbing here mid to late morning through early afternoon offers the best comfort before the sun dips behind the canyon walls. The approach involves a moderate hike with some scrambling, call it 20 minutes from established trailheads, so pack water and layer for shifting mountain conditions.

La Facada Norte holds a low popularity rating, which translates to a quiet experience where your focus remains sharp and undistracted. This climb suits adventurous climbers craving slab challenges that test balance, gear placement judgment, and mental grit more than pure pulling power. Expect a climb where every foot placement counts, and the seamless blend of natural features and bolts demands respect and skill.