Best Beginner Outdoor Climbing Routes in Boulder (Flatirons & Eldo)
If you’ve climbed in a gym and looked west wondering what’s out there in those pointy things — this is your list.
Boulder offers something rare: long, scenic beginner routes on real stone with real exposure. The key is choosing wisely. “Beginner” outside does not mean padded floors and color-coded holds. It means manageable grades, solid protection, and terrain that rewards calm movement over brute force.
Here Boulder’s top 10 climbs to introduce you to outdoor climbing with the ultra classics:
1. The Third Flatiron – Standard Route
Flatirons
Grade: 5.4
Style: Long slab & easy climbing + rappel
Why it’s great: Iconic, scenic, confidence-building
This is Boulder’s rite of passage. Nearly 1,000 feet of moderate climbing on beautifully featured sandstone. The angle feels friendly, the exposure feels real, and the summit view feels earned. One of the greatest climbs in the world!
If you want your iconic photo, this is it.
2. The First Flatiron – North Arete
Grade: 5.6
Style: Slab & low-angle ridge climbing + Rappel
Why it’s great: Shorter commitment, big views
A perfect introduction to moving unroped terrain with guidance. Fun holds, steady climbing, and a summit that makes you understand why people never leave Boulder.
3. The Second Flatiron – Freeway
Grade: 5.0
Style: Mellow slab
Why it’s great: Extremely approachable
Gentle terrain with huge exposure. This is where many climbers learn to trust their feet and breathe above town traffic.
4. Bastille Crack (Eldo)
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Grade: 5.7
Style: Trad crack climbing
Why it’s great: Historic, well-protected, unforgettable
One of the most famous beginner trad routes in America. Clean hand jams, good gear, and a dramatic setting above South Boulder Creek.
You’ll feel like you’re climbing history.
5. The Yellow Spur (Eldo)
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Grade: 5.9
Style: Long Multi-pitch trad + Rappel
Why it’s great: Exposure, movement, and position
For the ambitious beginner stepping into multi-pitch territory. Technical but reasonable. The upper pitches deliver airy traverses and views that change how you see climbing.
6. Rewritten (Eldo)
Grade: 5.7
Style: Mixed face & crack
Why it’s great: Teaches movement and gear placement
A slightly less crowded alternative to Bastille. Beautiful red rock and thoughtful climbing.
7. Wind Tower – Calypso (Eldo)
Grade: 5.6
Style: Short multi-pitch + Rappel
Why it’s great: Manageable length, classic Eldo feel
Perfect stepping stone before committing to longer Eldo routes. Good protection and varied climbing.
8. The Maiden – South Face
Flatirons
Grade: 5.6
Style: Longer adventure + Free Hanging Rappel
Why it’s great: Scenic and aesthetic
A beautiful line that feels adventurous without being overwhelming. Ideal for confident gym climbers transitioning outdoors. Very long approach. This is the most infamous rappel in the front range.
9. Ruper (Eldorado Canyon)
Grade: 5.8
Style: Traditional climbing + rappel
Why it’s great: steep, varied, long
This route has it all. finger cracks, hand cracks, and face climbing. Its 6 pitches with a massive half way ledge. Not to be missed. One of Eldorado’s finest climbs.
10. The Spy – Standard Route
Flatirons
Grade: 5.3
Style: Ridge climbing
Why it’s great: Classic Flatiron adventure
Short, scenic, and confidence-building. A beautiful first summit experience.
What Beginners Should Know About Climbing in Boulder
Easy to underestimate. Being close to town gives a false sense of security. These are mountains.
Route-finding matters. Many Flatiron routes wander.
Exposure is real. Even easy grades feel hard outside.
Weather changes fast. Afternoon storms are common.
Descent is part of the climb. Plan for it. Rappelling or down climbing is common.
Outdoor climbing is not just about pulling harder. It’s about judgment, pacing, and reading stone.
If you’re new to outdoor climbing and want to experience these routes safely and confidently, working with a guide dramatically shortens the learning curve and increases your margin of safety.
Boulder offers world-class climbing at beginner grades.