Optional Third Pitch, Pro for the Starting Traverse
My son and I climbed this two days ago, and as it was the last climb of the day, we were looking to top out and take the high trail back to the first creek crossing.
Instead of going to the rappel anchors after P2, I belayed from two good trees on the huge ledge just before the anchors. From there, we found a third pitch up to the top of the ridge by initially following the chimney there. After the chimney, the pitch finished as more of a scramble than a climb. We did not rope up, but a leader could protect this pitch if s/he wanted to. I'd put the pitch at Class 4-5.2.
The traverse over the water at the start of P1 is both fun and sketchy, and pro is largely psychological. I slung a jug handle that seemed ready to crumble, then put a cam behind a flake that seemed ready to blow, and finally had a suspect stopper in. Fortunately, holds are good the whole way to the ramp.
Bob Sihler - Oct 31, 2018 3:49 pm - Hasn't voted
Optional Third Pitch, Pro for the Starting TraverseMy son and I climbed this two days ago, and as it was the last climb of the day, we were looking to top out and take the high trail back to the first creek crossing.
Instead of going to the rappel anchors after P2, I belayed from two good trees on the huge ledge just before the anchors. From there, we found a third pitch up to the top of the ridge by initially following the chimney there. After the chimney, the pitch finished as more of a scramble than a climb. We did not rope up, but a leader could protect this pitch if s/he wanted to. I'd put the pitch at Class 4-5.2.
The traverse over the water at the start of P1 is both fun and sketchy, and pro is largely psychological. I slung a jug handle that seemed ready to crumble, then put a cam behind a flake that seemed ready to blow, and finally had a suspect stopper in. Fortunately, holds are good the whole way to the ramp.