The Petard

The Petard found off Valley of Gods loop road. Standard route ascends the double-crack system on left side, then traverses right on large ledge, ultimately angling back left to summit via left skyline. The first pitch has some of the loosest rock I've encountered. Fortunately, it wasn't my lead... The existing descent anchors on top are a poor solution, almost guaranteeing a jammed rope. A much better/quicker/safer (and exhilarating) descent would be a free air 2-rope rappel over the righthand roof. As of 2004 this preferred method didn't exist. Drill and pins anybody? Photo by Darren Singer