Northeast Chimney

The route follows the obvious crack/weakness in the center of the northeast face on the formation. The route starts just left of two deceivingly big boulders in front of the northeast face. Note: The route can be climbed in one pitch with a 60 meter rope, however this is not recommended due to rope drag and poor communication once inside of the chimney.

Pitch One: Follow the obvious crack up and then right over a couple of small ledges for approximately 60 feet? until you come to a good ledge with a rappel anchor/belay station. (I am not positive how long this 1st pitch is, but it is pretty short.) This part of the climb is easily protected, the rock is a bit loose in some spots and is an easy 5.6 pitch. If this pitch had slightly better rock, I would consider this route 3 star.

Pitch Two: The standard route second pitch steps right from the belay, goes thru a tunnel, to a crack near the middle of the chimney, from where it is easy (and enjoyable) 5.6 G-rated climbing. It is not at all obvious, and i started up the obvious off-width first, but going right it is the safest and easiest way to the top, and should therefore be considered the standard route.

Pitch Two Variation: Straight up above the belay, on the outer edge of that same chimney is found a 5.7 offwidth, which is pretty much unprotectable. Have a small cam available for one possible placement that I found. (I didn't have one, and put a nut in for psychological comfort, however, if you fall here you'll probably hit the belay ledge anyway.) I also had a #4 Big Bro which i placed for more comfort, but it later fell out due to rope drag. So this is what I would consider the R section. The climbing isn't that hard, but you probably don't want to fall here. In that sense, it is a classic offwidth. After about 15-20 feet you'll finally come to a place where you can enter the chimney proper. It isn't as much of a haven as is hoped, but jump in and traverse into the chimney and out of sight. A 15 foot traverse will bring you to an intimidating "room." This is really a classic chimney opportunity and, if it weren't for the offwidth downclimb, would be a point for retreat I imagine, after your initial view upward. This chimney is rated 5.6 (remember that...)and instead of just rushing blindly upward, continue to traverse deeper into the chimney until you come to a crack system that is on the left wall. This is the point of easiest upward progress, and occasionally as you get higher you'll have great protection opportunities. Eventually you'll jump into the crack as it approaches the top of the tower and 15 more feet will lead you to the anchors. The second pitch is about 90 feet in length.

Descent: With a 60 meter rope you can reach the belay ledge on top of the first pitch, and easily use the same rope for a second rappel to the ground. Two ropes should easily reach the ground from the top, and if they don't you can stop at the belay/rappel ledge above mentioned. Rappel the route.

Side notes: Overall this is really a fantastic adventure climb for the moderate leader. I climbed it to avoid crowds at owl rock and because it is one of the few moderately rated routes in the desert, however, what I found was totally unexpected. This route deserves much more respect. It is exciting and feels like a nice accomplishment. If 5.7 is your limit however, you are probably much better off climbing owl rock where you can sew the route up with gear. Climbing Owl Rock the next day was easy compared with the spirit of the Northeast Chimney route. Enjoy! As the details of this climb were unknown to me before I climbed it, and as I don't know anyone else who has climbed this route I look forward to reading future comments... perhaps I am off base with my enthusiasm, let me know.