David Osborn got his Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkley then moved on to a post-doctoral position at CU in the late 90s. For years, David has been climbing the massive granite walls of Yosemite, scaling the sandstone seams of Eldo and smearing up Flatiron slabs. Now he is a scientist at Sandia National Labs in Livermore, California where he investigates the inner workings of molecules. But for the next few months, David is back in Boulder, working with many familiar faces. We took advantage of an amazing summer Sunday and had a great day climbing Seal Rock in the Flatrions.
David cruising up the third pitch of the east face of Seal Rock
The 800 foot East Face route works up a distinctive flake system that moves on and off the arete formed with the north face. The fourth pitch is the highlight because of its perfect, 100 foot finger crack, a very unusual feature for a flatiron slab.
The waves of flatirons to the north of Seal Rock
We had the rock all to ourselves but surprisingly, about 30 feet from the base of climb, someone had left a brand new rope bag. I noticed it on my peeventure before roping up. There was no other sign of people and when we returned it hadn’t moved. I’ll post it on the MountainProject lost and found. If you can describe it, it’s yours. Rope bags didn’t exist when this pin was pounded into the top of the 4th pitch.
Manky. Any guesses as to how old? I'll say 1967.
The summit of Seal Rock is one of the most spectacular in the area with an incredible view of Boulder and the innumerable neighboring flatirons to the north.
David enjoying the view on the summit
To this point in the Summer, Boulder has had an unseasonably high amount of rain. I wouldn’t have believed it had I not seen it, but at the summit of Seal Rock, there were multiple pools of standing water supporting algae and tadpoles or other small fish. I’d like to return in a few weeks to see what develops – what an amazing little ecosystem.
Believe it or not, there were tadpoles swimming in this standing water on the summit of Seal Rock.
After rapping down Sea of Joy to decend, we decided that we were morally obligated to climb the first pitch of the line, a lichen-covered, bolted 5.11. It was an aesthetic route with a tricky, sequential crux, followed by powerful climbing to the anchors that made for a great way to end the day.
David rappelling down Sea of Joy on the north face of Seal Rock.
As with any day in the Flatirons, the hike is a huge part of the fun and beauty of the experience. The rain has left a lush landscape speckled with a rainbow of wildflowers. If you’re in Boulder in the next week, do yourself a favor and go enjoy the Bear Canyon scenery.
Wildflowers were everywhere.
The more I get to know the Flatirons, the more my list of climbs to do grows. I’m sure I’ll venture back in short order.
Nice photos! Sounds like you and David had a great adventure.
Nice write-up! I’m hoping to get out and do this climb soon.
Me too!