Aerial Combat  5.9+ PG13

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Type:  Sport, Alpine, 3 pitches, 240 feet, Grade II Consensus:  5.9+ [details] FA:  lauren and caleb lichtenberger/don robinson New Route:  Yes Submitted By:  clichtenberger on Dec 8, 2011 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (5) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

Climber on first pitch of aerial combat

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Description 

P1- 8 bolts to 2 bolt anchor. Start is 20 feet left of the beehive route. 1st bolt is left of the two story cave at the base of the wall. Crux is pulling over the second bolt and it is height dependent. If you are shorter than 5ft 8in it may be harder. (115 feet)
P2- The first three bolts are shared with Cholla Traverse. After 3rd bolt trend up and left then follow bolts (6) up to two bolt anchor in a band of red rock, on the right side of large ledge. 9 bolts total. (125 feet)
P3- Same as the Fresh Air traverse. Traverse right on easiest ground with no pro, exit black streak. Continue up third class ramp to its end and exit right into gully with a short down climb to a palo verde belay.

Descent- Follow cairns and climbers trail to Pedrick's Chimeny for a single 100' rappel.

Location 

Chuck Yaeger calls aerial combat "the ultimate flying experience". Aerial combat was named after dueling falcons that were observed free falling during the establishment of the route on multiple occasions. This route is located just left of the Beehive crack on Gargoyle wall. The route is a serious climb with spacious face climbing using fun pockets. Leader should be comfortable well over pro on easier climbing.

Protection 

Quickdraws

Photos of Aerial Combat Slideshow

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Don high up leading p1 of Aerial Combat.	Caleb at second bolt of first pitch of Aerial Comb...	Don and Josh on the second pitch
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