Dodgeblock is a very aesthetic route that climbs up the slabs on the Second Flatiron and is also one of Roach's "Classics". The classic rating is well-earned as this is one of the longer scrambles on Green Mountain. Although Dodgeblock does not lead to the summit of the Second, it does reach the top of the Second Flatironette en route.

As you scramble higher, the Pullman Car looms overhead giving an almost alpine feel. Just as the route seems to reach an impasse, it traverses across a gully and literally "dodges the block" keeping the difficulty down.

The impressive wall on the Pullman Car

Although Roach rates this as a class 4, I believe that it is steeper in places and has more route-finding than other Flatiron scrambles so I have given this a 5.0 rating. That said, this route is a very doable and a speedy solo. Feel free to get out the rope for less experienced friends, but expect it to take much longer.

This is also one of the few Flatiron routes that approaches and descends on a solid trail.

Getting There

Follow the route description to the start of Freeway.

The start of Freeway from the trail.

Continue up a faint climbers trail around the left of the face where Freeway starts. Continue to work your way up just past the gully right of the Pullman Car to the start of the route. This is really the base of the Second Flatironette and it is your first objective. If you are looking up at the South Block you've gone too far.

If you're looking straight up a slab at this you've gone too far.

There is an awkward boulder blocking easy access to the ridge leading up. You can climb up the slab but it is harder than 4th class. There is an easy way up around the boulder to the left.

Route Description

Follow the ridge up the Second Flatironette. The scrambling is steep at first but eases as you get higher. There is a short wall you can see up towards the top of the Second Flatironette and it looks hard.

This is the buldge blocking easy access to the Second Flatironette. I climbed up smack dab in the middle of this photo.

Looking down to the start of the route. The boulder blocking the start can be seen at the bottom.

Don't get discouraged as it is climbable by a series of committing moves near the left edge. The holds are fairly positive but I did feel that it was harder than 4th class.

Above this it is a quick stroll to the top of the Second Flatironette providing views of the rest of the route.

The rib between the trees in the center leads you up.

Carefully downclimb off the top of the Second Flatironette and head right over to the base of the rib leading up. If you want to escape the route here is your chance. The gully leads down to the start of the route. Beyond here the easiest escape is to finish the route.

Become friends with the tree and start up the cool textured rib of rock. It is a steep start but is very featured. Work your way up until you reach the upper trees at the top of the rib. You are now below the Pullman Car and looking up at the hard routes that go directly up the wall. It's the time we've all been waiting for! Keep a sharp eye out for an easy line right across the gully. The wall on the other side looks harder than it is. The higher you climb the harder the traverse will be.

This is roughly where I dodged the block.

After you climb the wall on the other side of the gully you will be in the gully next to Freeway. Now you simply head straight up the easiest line to the same spot Freeway ends.

Jump on Freeway

Looking up to the end of the route.

Variation

Instead of dodging the block. Head up towards the arch above you. This is much harder than 4th class initially so be careful. Tunnel up through the arch to the top of the route.

Looking down the alternate ascent gully.

Essential Gear

Water

Climbing shoes are helpful

Rope and gear if you want (Useful for the variation)

Images



[ View Gallery - 5 More Images ]