OSMP Featured Volunteer: Flatirons Climbing Council

The Flatirons Climbing Council (FCC) has partnered with the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department, helping to manage their amazing resources. From educating climbers about the importance of the raptor closures, to replacing unsafe fixed hardware that climbers rely on, to planning volunteer clean-ups, climbers have been making a positive impact on the land for decades. In 2021, FCC was awarded the Blue Grama Award through the Colorado Open Space Alliance for outstanding partnership.

Hear from four members of FCC on how they connect with Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP):

Where is your favorite climbing spot on OSMP?

Really all over.  Memorable experiences include sport climbing on The Slab, bouldering at Flagstaff, and linking formations on long solo scrambles.

What do you appreciate most from a stewardship perspective on being a long-term OSMP partner?

FCC's partnership with OSMP has enabled climber stewardship in the Flatirons.  Without that partnership, it would be severely diminished.

What makes OSMP special or unique to you?

Climbing in the Flatirons provides one of the most natural experiences in the immediate Boulder vicinity.  Boulder Canyon, Clear Creek Canyon, and even parts of Eldorado Canyon feel urban and industrialized in comparison.  

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

It has been a long and rewarding journey; both for the climbing community as a whole and for me personally.  My hope is that this collaboration continues for the next generations of climbers to come.

Picture below: Dave Turner on the first ascent of a route called "Western Skyline" on the Third Flatiron. This is a route established pursuant to the fixed hardware review process provided by FCC's MOU with OSMP.

Where is your favorite climbing spot on OSMP?

The Flatirons are my favorite climbing destination, in particular I have spent a lot of time on the Slab and Seal Rock during the pandemic as a way to escape the crowds during the pandemic. 

What do you appreciate most from a stewardship perspective on being a long-term OSMP partner?

I really appreciate the professional and open relationship that has been established between OSMP and the FCC. We are consulted on climbing related issues by OSMP and I feel that we are equal partners in the relationship with each organization understanding respective expertise and capabilities.

What makes OSMP special or unique to you?

Open Space and Mountain Parks are special because of the incredible access provided, all within city limits. It is my favorite destination for quiet hikes, challenging climbs and generation exploration. It is also gratifying to hike on a trial that the FCC has helped maintain or to rope up on a climb that has been developed via the fixed hardware program administered by the FCC and OSMP. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

One of our focus areas is introducing the next generation of climbers to the Flatirons and are collaborating with the CU Alpine Club on stewardship programs.

Pictured below: Rui Ferreira and Dave Turner at the COSA conference.

Where is your favorite climbing spot on OSMP?

I love climbing all over the Flatirons. The amount of amazing stone in our backyard is mind boggling. There are thousands of documented routes and boulder problems, but there seems to be endless potential for more for those willing to explore. I love that I can get a great workout second from the car on Flagstaff, I love scrambling easy East face routes on the Flatirons either solo or roped up with my wife and 8y/o son, I also love pushing myself on the harder routes too.

What do you appreciate most from a stewardship perspective on being a long-term OSMP partner?

I am so happy that the FCC has such a wonderful partnership with OSMP.  Being able to give back and help preserve this precious resource is such a great feeling. Trail work projects, replacing old rusty bolts, and even picking up trash can be grueling work, but with the support and appreciation shown to us by OSMP, I just can’t get enough.

What makes OSMP special or unique to you?

OSMP is special to me for many reasons.  I have been climbing in the Flatirons for over 40 years, first with my father and now with my son. There is a lifetime worth of rock to explore, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to spend my time.

Pictured below: Mark Roth bouldering on Mt. Sanitas.

Where is your favorite climbing spot on OSMP?

I don't have a strong preference but do love Green Mountain Pinnacle (Death and Transfiguration).  It's a wild remote area with a beautiful hike.

What do you appreciate most from a stewardship perspective on being a long-term OSMP partner?

It is so rewarding to work together to clean up and sustain climbing areas so that they can remain open for future generations.

What makes OSMP special or unique to you?

We are so fortunate to live in an area where we can appreciate nature knowing this land will remain wild for future generations to explore. It's also wonderful to have the support of OSMP in keeping climbing areas open.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

We look forward to continuing our relationship with you and OSMP to continue protecting our beautiful land.

Pictured below: Joseffa Meir climbing on Ridge 2 (Satan's Slab) in the Flatirons taken by Andrew Burr.