Arch Enemy, 5.9

3rd Pitch- 185’- 5.9/ This pitch is actually better than it looks. Straight up from the belay is a varnished finger crack, but it does not look 5.9 as it is somewhat at a laid back angle. However, further up this long pitch, you end up in better rock with a steeper grade in a finger/hand crack that gives you the 5.9 portion. To start, move back left to gain easier ground to angle back right into the first finger crack. Place gear at will as you finish off this first crack and come to a much more varnished portion of the wall. Follow a steeper corner/crack up black varnish to a ledge which is where the 3rd pitch of Solar Slab comes in from the left. Arch Enemy, 5.9, 3 Pitches, Upper Solar Slab, Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rocks, NV, February, 2009