The East Face route on the things is a great Flatirons route that is well off the beaten path. Four pitches (most of which are very laid back typical Flatirons sandstone) with a couple of really good moves. The most difficult part of this route is litteraly finding the rock. (FA: Roach/Wheeler 1956, FFA: Ament/Dalke 1960s)

The View from The Thing

Approach

The Thing is a small, narrow flatiron located due south of the Ironing Boards (south of the Third). Climb up the ridgeline from the trail junction (along the Royal Arch Trail) and then slowly begin to traverse up and to the right through a boulder fall. Eventually, you end up at the base of the rock, although it’s difficult to see it until you arrive near the base.

Route Description

The East Face route can be climbed in 2-4 pitches depending on rope length and where you belay.

Pitch 1. Start up the clean slab and aim for a tree beneath the roof in the center of the rock. Directly above the tree is a good fist crack. Belay in a crack right behind the tree.

Looking up P1

Pitch 2. Using the first crack, climb up and over the roof. There is good pro, and a great hold for the right foot out on the point, just have to trust it. Pull up and over and head for a spacious ledge with another tree.

Pitch 3. Climb an easy (5.4), arching crack past a third tree and head towards the left side of a large block on top. I skirted out left on the face a little ways before traversing back over because there was better protection. Belay at the end of the rope against the block.

Looking down P3

Pitch 4. Scramble up to the summit where there are great views of Boulder and the Third. Belay around a series of holes.

Looking down P4

Descent

Rap off the back side of the pillar with a single rope. We down climbed the side of the pillar, but it took us a second rap further down the gully.

Rappel

Essential Gear

Standard Flatiron route with a couple hand sized pieces for the crack on P3.

External Links

Mountainproject.com: The Thing (5.7)

Images