Second route from the right. This route is great for morning sunshine. It also has fine granite and varied climbing making this a pleasant cruise. No drama on gear, no drama on lead. A good warm-up.
Start by climbing up the left side of a large flake via a wide crack. Gain a comfortable stance on top of the flake and then follow two bolts across the face via nice cracks to gain a left-facing corner that angles up to the right. Follow another crack that angles left at a break in the corner. Follow this crack to a steep face and then past two more bolts to the right to gain the anchor for Splash. Rap 80' to the ground.
This route has a Dream Canyon-esque feel with its fine granite and mixed gear. I don't know why, but I like this route; maybe because it's nice and long, you can actually slot a nut or two, and it's not right in the thick of things. In French the name can be translated as 'splendid' or 'swell'. I concur.
Protection
Mixed bag: small rack; plan for the obvious wide crack at the start (nice big hex slots in there) and thin cracks (medium stoppers, smaller cams). 4 QDs for bolts. Shares two bolt anchor with Splash.
Eds. There are now 2 Metolius rap hangers each with 2 links for the anchors.
I agree with Michael about this route. I am almost certain I started it wrong, but that just made i tlonger and more interesting. Bring a bunch of draws, probably more than you think you'll need. A nice view of Boulder Canyon from the belay. A 60m rope will easily get you to the bottom. I recommend some aliens and some smaller nuts, but don't take my word for it.
By Aron Quiter Administrator From: Berkeley, CA Sep 6, 2002
There's 4 bolts, why is so much pro needed? It's only a 5.6! The runout part is a staircase, just don't climb it when it's wet out.This would be a great route for teaching people a trad for all the same reasons.
As a side to my comment above: I am still a beginning trad leader, so despite the bolts and level of climbing, I still have issues with protecting my climb. I do this for two reasons: 1) I want to make sure I am secure, and 2) I like practicing gear placements while on an easier route. After looking a various guidebooks and critiquing my climb there was not as much need for gear. But, a good route to practice placin' it nonetheless.
Great little "beginning of the season" route. I found I placed about three extra pieces (a small cam, an Alien and a nut) here and there just for the added confidence. Why not, as it is good practice.
This is a great place to come if you don't have a lot of time and you wanna get in a quick pitch or two. If this route doesn't challenge you, jump on Splash directly to the right.
What a great route for someone learning how to place gear. The few bolts would give that feeling of extra security to a new leader, but there are ample straightforward gear placements on this route and its neightboor, Splash.
Even for a route that's "only" 5.6, I was glad I brought along a couple of pieces of small gear for the section between the first two bolts and the last two bolts.
Did this in the morning before work; it's just about right for that kind of climb. Short and unsustained, yes, but with some pleasing moves nonetheless. I'll second (or third?) the notion that Aliens and a few stoppers will do the trick for pro here... wear a helmet, though. People wandering around above you will be knocking stuff down.
A fun route. If you are uncomfortable with the runout a couple of smaller cams should be adequate for the nice crack (which u can't see from the base). This route shares the same anchors as Splash to the right which is not really the best as it not in a direct line so be prepared for some possible swings.
First and foremost, both anchors at the top of this route are loose and spinning a bit. I am no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's not good. Are there people that monitor routes around here? I'm just starting to get outside, so I don't really know what to do besides report the loose anchors...
Anyhow, as someone who is a moderate sport leader (5.9 ish) and just beginning to lead Trad, I thought this was a great route to practice placing gear on. I placed a Wild Country Rock #7 and a 0.5 Tricam (finger size pro) on two different cracks above the 2nd bolt. The cracks are not very far away from the 2nd bolt, so I fell on my gear (on purpose) in order to evaluate my placements better. I would not be a big fan of the runout between the 2nd and 3rd bolts if I did not have pro. Then again, I am a beginner.
Climbed it today 11/4/07 and the anchor hangers still spin, but the bolts seem solid. The second bolt on the route is loose as well. I tightened it as best I could with my fingers, but someone with a wrench may want to tighten it more.
By DamageVic From: Coal Creek Canyon, CO Jul 15, 2009
Climbed yesterday- fun, easy route that takes more gear than you might think. The hanger on the 2nd or 3rd bolt was loose, I tightened the nut as much as I could by hand...a wrench would be in order at some point in the near future. The anchors seemed solid though.
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