|
|
|
|
slabbyd
Sep 4, 2003, 5:25 PM
Post #1 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 20, 2002
Posts: 40
|
I'm freaking out! Life is out of balance and vacation time is limited. I need to go to Zion for a quick fix. But what to do? What to do?
In the last year I've knocked off the trade routes there; Prodigal, Lunar X, Spaceshot and Moonlight. I've also done the first couple pitches of Swoop Gimp (scary!). So whats next?
Constraints
I solo. Free climbing is alright up to 5.8 or even a bit of 5.9.
I'll spend three days in the canyons giving me 3 to climb.
C3/A3 is all the sphincter-tightening I need.
Rather do a clean route or something with minimal pinning. Though feel free to recommend anything.
Recommendations?
Anyone have first hand beta on Desert Shield (looks better as a partnered free/aid climb)
How about Smoot/Ellison on Mount Moroni. Some serious OW?
Or whats the big spire with the Middendorf Route on it? Anyone ever do that climb? Lots of hooking evidently.
Something else? Anything else? There's always Monkey Space or Cerebrus but I'm thinking I need more.
So many walls in there, help me out oh desert rat masters!
Help! Help!
Darin
|
|
|
|
|
brianinslc
Sep 4, 2003, 5:35 PM
Post #2 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 13, 2002
Posts: 1500
|
In reply to: I solo. Free climbing is alright up to 5.8 or even a bit of 5.9. I'll spend three days in the canyons giving me 3 to climb. C3/A3 is all the sphincter-tightening I need. Rather do a clean route or something with minimal pinning. Though feel free to recommend anything. Recommendations?
How bout Shear Lunacy? Only one thin aid section on it. No nailing. Easy to fix and blast. Fun route.
In reply to: How about Smoot/Ellison on Mount Moroni. Some serious OW?
Aka "the crack in the cosmic egg".
I hear tell its not too bad. Start is thin, though. Please, no cam hooks.
In reply to: Something else? Anything else?
Sunlight Buttress in Kolob area. Fun route. Maybe a bit sporty to solo (I thought some mandatory free that was kinda spicy).
Hmmm....
Wigs in Space? Magic Carpet Ride? (haven't done but seems like there's beta available)
Brian in SLC
|
|
|
|
|
ikefromla
Sep 4, 2003, 5:43 PM
Post #3 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 23, 2002
Posts: 1216
|
be cool. go do moonlight free. i mean, it's only 12d.
|
|
|
|
|
noshoesnoshirt
Sep 4, 2003, 5:43 PM
Post #4 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 24, 2002
Posts: 440
|
i soloed desert shield a couple of years ago. it's good; several jungle pitches up to (easy) 5.9, a couple of free pitches of 5.10 that can be aided but aren't bad, and some awesome clean aid. the aid is C3+; it is thin but do-able. bring lots of brassies and a couple of leeper cams (straight in cracks, not fragile flakes.) some mallards would work great, but i didn't have any at the time. one thing - i took two days, and felt i was moving at a decent pace (i'd just soloed spaceshot in an easy day).
it would be cool as a partnered climb, but definitely an option solo.
|
|
|
|
|
slabbyd
Sep 4, 2003, 6:20 PM
Post #5 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 20, 2002
Posts: 40
|
Thanks for the info. Desert Shield climbs higher on the list. How about the Lowe Route On Angels Landing. Definitely a beautiful line! Though I think I've heard of some hard mandatory free climbing. Any words of wisdom?
|
|
|
|
|
slabbyd
Sep 8, 2003, 7:04 PM
Post #6 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 20, 2002
Posts: 40
|
Besides the topo at bigwall.com for Moonpatrol is there any first-hand beta on this route floating around here?
|
|
|
|
|
elcapclimber
Sep 8, 2003, 8:09 PM
Post #7 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 22, 2003
Posts: 11
|
The lowe route on Angel's would suck solo. Lots of wandering and OW crap. I watched a party on Empty Pages while I was on the Lowe Route. Looks Killer. It looked awsome to solo. Very staightforward and Pretty steep to boot. I think it goes at C3/A3. It's alot shorter than most of the other climbs near bye but should be interesting enough for a three day trip.
|
|
|
|
|
flamer
Sep 8, 2003, 9:28 PM
Post #8 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 22, 2002
Posts: 2955
|
In reply to: Besides the topo at bigwall.com for Moonpatrol is there any first-hand beta on this route floating around here?
Most of the locals seem to think it would be a good route...It's still on my list and hasn't gone clean yet. I was thinking of trying to do the first clean ascent....and checking to see if it would go free.
If you find anything out let me know...
josh
|
|
|
|
|
bsmoot
Sep 10, 2003, 2:01 AM
Post #9 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 30, 2002
Posts: 113
|
Here are some routes I've done that are all good & not too hard to solo.
PLAN B IV 5.8 C1--- Easy clean aid, no hard manditory free
EMERALD STAR MAJESTICUS V 5.5 A3--- Cool location ( Emerald Pools) steep, aid.
SHEER LUNACY IV 5.8 C2 --- Good to solo, lots of ledges at belays. Good rock.
SMOOT ELLISON V 5.8-10 A2--- Offwidth is short. Can be aided. 95% clean, great climb.
ANCIENT GALLERY V 5.8 A3--- Classic thin nailing. Short pitches, a bit harder climbing, but not desperate.
FANG SPIRE IV/V 5.8+ C3---Spectacular climbing & location. Not that much hooking, lots of bolts & rivets. A bit tricky.
Have fun!!!
|
|
|
|
|
epic_ed
Sep 10, 2003, 2:05 AM
Post #10 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 17, 2002
Posts: 4724
|
Brian, thanks for checking in.
What wall is "Plan B" on? Do you have a topo?
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
bsmoot
Sep 10, 2003, 2:46 AM
Post #11 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 30, 2002
Posts: 113
|
Ed,
Plan B is about 1,000' left (south) of Smoot/Ellison. I have a topo. E-mail me your address & I'll mail you one.
Brian
|
|
|
|
|
jackscoldsweat
Sep 10, 2003, 3:31 AM
Post #12 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 18, 2003
Posts: 380
|
With names like Kolob and Mount Moroni....
it sounds like the local Mormons are running rampant with the route naming...
just and observation...carry on...
|
|
|
|
|
rockprodigy
Sep 10, 2003, 4:02 AM
Post #13 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 10, 2002
Posts: 1540
|
Let's leave Plan B as a free climb, eh? That's my vote.
There are so many aid routes and only about 10 good free routes in the canyon.
Besides, Brian is sandbagging you...there's pretty significant off-width-ing on that route that would be pretty hard to aid.
I'd try the spire if I were you...looks killer.
|
|
|
|
|
climbhigher
Sep 10, 2003, 5:50 AM
Post #14 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 6, 2002
Posts: 224
|
HEY!! Rock prodigy. Let's go Free Climb that spire!!! It's one cool spire. And Yeah I have been Sandbagged by one of Brain's Topo's. There's NO WAY that Flake was 5.8 free climbing!!! When I started climbing it, It all came tumbling down in my LAP!!!! I saw a few tourists hit the deck from the echo when part of the flake (The size of a full KEG) smashed into dust on the Valley floor. Obvisiouly You nailed the thin crack and penji over to Down syndrome Ledge, Brain. But again maybe not???? Maybe i was just off Route. CHEERS.
|
|
|
|
|
epic_ed
Sep 10, 2003, 6:23 AM
Post #15 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 17, 2002
Posts: 4724
|
In reply to: Let's leave Plan B as a free climb, eh? That's my vote.
I can understand that if there are people lining up to do it free, but my guess (perhaps incorrect) is that it doesn't get much traffic. So if no one's around and I do any aid clean, what's the difference? Not that I'm planning on running up there to do it any time soon (hell, I couldn't even top out on Prodigal last weekend), but it's great to get some beta on some of the less traveled routes. Especially from the dude who put some of them up.
Appreciate the heads-up on the sand bag. :wink:
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
climbhigher
Sep 11, 2003, 5:26 AM
Post #16 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 6, 2002
Posts: 224
|
Shit, I would love to. Maybe this fall???? This old timer "Desert Rat" pointed it out to me. If I do go do it, (Never put much effort into first accents) I would like to think i was up to the task mentally and physically, to put it up in good STYLE.
|
|
|
|
|
rockprodigy
Sep 11, 2003, 7:57 PM
Post #17 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 10, 2002
Posts: 1540
|
In reply to: HEY!! Rock prodigy. Let's go Free Climb that spire!!!
I've scoped it through the binoculars, and I think it might go...problem is it would depend a lot on face climbing on what appeared to be very sketch rock...never know until you try.
Plan B is a neo-classic for the small group of Zion free climbers. It is rarely climbed, just like all the other free routes, but if you think aid climbing (even "clean" aid) has no impact, you are mistaken. Look at the cam scars on the crux dihedral of moonlight. Every person who places a cam and stands on it, is wearing away those pods...the rock is just so soft. I think if you looked at Plan B from the road, you wouldn't be very psyched to climb it anyway, it's not exactly awe-inspiring.
|
|
|
|
|
brianinslc
Sep 11, 2003, 8:35 PM
Post #18 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 13, 2002
Posts: 1500
|
In reply to: And Yeah I have been Sandbagged by one of Brain's Topo's. There's NO WAY that Flake was 5.8 free climbing!!! When I started climbing it, It all came tumbling down in my LAP!!!! I saw a few tourists hit the deck from the echo when part of the flake (The size of a full KEG) smashed into dust on the Valley floor. Obvisiouly You nailed the thin crack and penji over to Down syndrome Ledge, Brain. But again maybe not???? Maybe i was just off Route. CHEERS.
Which pitch? Above Down Syndrome Ledge? At the bolt ladder traverse to the nice stance, head up and over on friction to a crack in a corner (is that #2 friend still stuck in there?), then on up to Down Syndrome Ledge.
As from there, well, "down syndrome"...aptly named! Har har...
Did a hunk of that roofy crack system above the ledge pop out on you?? I was scared, I tell ya...
Brian in SLC
|
|
|
|
|
bsmoot
Sep 13, 2003, 2:57 AM
Post #19 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 30, 2002
Posts: 113
|
Slabbyd: When we did Plan B, we pretty much free climbed the whole route except for the 2 big roofs (which we aided) so I know that those wide sections can go on aid. The only other wide section I can recall climbing was that short section on the 2nd pitch and I was able to slide a #5 camalot up the crack. Just bring some extra big gear.
RockProdigy: When you say "there are only about 10 good free routes in Zion," you are dead wrong. There are many other "good" free climbs that you might not be aware of. The local boys are working on a free climbing guide book to Zion -- you'll see. By the way, wasn't that you, Mike, that I locked horns with on the topic of shuttle buses on the SuperTopo website? We need to get out climbing -- we could get into some great arguments!
Climbhigher: I think you misread my topo (IdiOdyssey). I rated the flake A1 or 5.10. The 5.8 section you were thinking of was the slab BELOW the flake. I followed the flake all the way to down syndrome ledge. Believe me, I don't want to sandbag anybody.
|
|
|
|
|
pt
Sep 13, 2003, 3:07 AM
Post #20 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 29, 2003
Posts: 400
|
Desert Shield is spectacular! It shouldn't be too bad to solo. The 5.10/11 free pitch down low could be aided pretty easily ( you might need a short cheater stick?). The headwall is amazing and goes at C3 with lots of HB offsets and a few lowe balls.
|
|
|
|
|
rockprodigy
Sep 13, 2003, 3:45 AM
Post #21 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 10, 2002
Posts: 1540
|
In reply to: By the way, wasn't that you, Mike, that I locked horns with on the topic of shuttle buses on the SuperTopo website? We need to get out climbing -- we could get into some great arguments!
Yeah, that's me! I feel honored to have sparked the interest of such a Utah climbing legend. I would love to climb with you some day...I'd like to pick your brain about LCC. I love comparing your guidebook to the new version...it's a great record of rockfall, and the advancement of free climbing standards...pretty cool.
What free climbs am I missing? These are the best ones I'm aware of:
Moonlight
Monkey Finger
Shunes Butt
N Ridge Angel's Landing
Plan B
Iron Mesiah
Touchstone (after the first pitch)
|
|
|
|
|
bsmoot
Sep 14, 2003, 4:13 AM
Post #22 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 30, 2002
Posts: 113
|
Rockprodigy,
Thanks for the kind responce, It's nice to see climbers appreciating history.
Here are some good to excellent long free climbs where I've talked to at least 2 or more climbers who highly recommended them. Most of these I haven't done.
ORGANASM - Great roof pitch
SHEER LUNACY - Doug Heinrich's favorite long free climb
WIGS IN SPACE - some wide stuff
RIDDLER'S DELIGHT - 5.10 7 pitches, behind Zion Lodge
HELLO MARYLOU - A grade V on the Angelino Wall. Short aid section.
VOICE FROM THE DUST - IV 5.11 8 pitches, far S. end of Mt. Moroni.
TRICKS - 18 Pitches!
DANCING WITH ZULLY - 5.10, 5 Pitches. D Jones route on W. face of Mt Spry
LOVELACE - East Temple, Great Rock.
THE VIGIL - 10 pitches, Watchman " as good if not better than Shunes"
IVORY COAST - 4 Pitches, Watchman
SILMARIL - Grade V Watchman a few sections of aid.
WIND SAND STARS - Kolob
GOLDEN YEARS - Kolob, some aid. High quality, Super!
CRAGMONT CLIFFS - Excellent 4-5 pitch routes up Pine Creek
Other good routes exist that I haven't included.
Note: Sandbagging disclaimer - Some of these routes may contain runnouts and offwidths!
|
|
|
|
|
rockprodigy
Sep 15, 2003, 5:43 PM
Post #23 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 10, 2002
Posts: 1540
|
In reply to: ORGANASM - Great roof pitch
In reply to: SHEER LUNACY - Doug Heinrich's favorite long free climb
Agreed. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
In reply to: WIGS IN SPACE - some wide stuff RIDDLER'S DELIGHT - 5.10 7 pitches, behind Zion Lodge HELLO MARYLOU - A grade V on the Angelino Wall. Short aid section. VOICE FROM THE DUST - IV 5.11 8 pitches, far S. end of Mt. Moroni. DANCING WITH ZULLY - 5.10, 5 Pitches. D Jones route on W. face of Mt Spry LOVELACE - East Temple, Great Rock. THE VIGIL - 10 pitches, Watchman " as good if not better than Shunes" IVORY COAST - 4 Pitches, Watchman SILMARIL - Grade V Watchman a few sections of aid.
In reply to: TRICKS - 18 Pitches!
In reply to: WIND SAND STARS - Kolob GOLDEN YEARS - Kolob, some aid. High quality, Super! CRAGMONT CLIFFS - Excellent 4-5 pitch routes up Pine Creek
In reply to: Note: Sandbagging disclaimer - Some of these routes may contain runnouts and offwidths!
Could they be as runout as the 5.9 slab pitches on the N. Butt of Angel's?...yikes!
|
|
|
|
|
bigdan
Sep 30, 2003, 5:57 AM
Post #24 of 30
(5588 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 12, 2002
Posts: 142
|
I'm gonna go ahead and plug my favorite wall route here - Tricks of the Trade on Isaac. Not a good solo, as it's mostly free climbing on wide stuff, but man, what a beautiful route.
|
|
|
|
|
the_dude
Sep 30, 2003, 6:38 AM
Post #25 of 30
(5136 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 30, 2003
Posts: 221
|
Now that this topic is up again, does anybody have beta on Moon Patrol? I've seen the topo on Bigwall.com. Anyone done it?
Also last fall, I ran into some guys goin' up on "Lucifer's Ledges"(I think that's the name). I guess it runs between Empty Pages and Prod. I'm curious what this route is about as well. From what it looks like it's pretty heads up :shock: Anybody know?
Cheers!
The Dude
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
