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Elevation: 50 ft
GPS: 6.9767, 158.19389
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Shared By: mikehilbert on Oct 8, 2012
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Description Suggest change

Of the million square miles that make up the FSM, less than one tenth of one percent is not ocean (.027%...that's 271/1,000,000). The good news is that most of that land is found on 'high islands'. Pohnpei is by far the largest (130 sq miles) and highest (2500 ft) island in the FSM and is home to two world-class sport crags: the Ray of Light Spire and Adam's Apple. Both are located directly south of Sokehs Rock, a huge undeveloped, unclimbed basalt outcropping that is really a point of pride for Pohnpei. The base of the crags is shaded by tropical jungle, with year round threats of flash monsoons, particularly in the summer. Rock is high quality volcanic basalt. Climbing areas are very secluded and trailheads not easy to find. The documented sport routes, ranging from 5.10d to 5.12b, with a sport/scramble option of 5.7 to top anchors, have been developed over the last few years by a small local climbing community. Here's a link to that community's website:

www.facebook.com/climbpohnpei

There are also some fun free solo (Pwisen Malek) and assisted (Skyline Scramble) climbs as well as some epic bushwhack treks (Nahnalaud) to be had here.

Getting There Suggest change

Book a flight to Pohnpei, FSM...stopovers are usually in Hawaii so take advantage of that! Upon arrival, taxi to Yvonne's Hotel, which will put you in closest proximity to local climbers. Ask at the front desk for info on rock climbing guides and you'll be directed accordingly. There are other hotels on island, but why waste your time? The crags are on Sokehs Island and are the basalt monoliths of Sokehs Rock (undeveloped face, one assisted backside scramble), The Spire (sport/TR), and Adam's Apple (sport/TR). Taxi from Kolonia (Skyline Taxi Company is your best bet) to Sokehs Island. Turn right after going over the bridge to Sokehs and drive about 7 minutes to...a small patch of banana trees next to a parking pull off (see picture of trailhead landmark). The trail is on the left side of the road up the hill. Approach: approx 10-15 min. At about 10 mins up, there is a spring to the immediate right of the trail between two huge mossy boulders (sorry, no problems) with what should be clean water. NOTE: This trail is on private land. Please obtain permission from the landowners prior to hiking.

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