Rock On Direct (aka Hard On)  5.10c

180 page views Good page?

Type:  Trad, 3 pitches, 230 feet, Grade II Consensus:  5.10c [details] FA:  FA Bob Milward and Bruce Kay July 1983. FFA Jack Lewis, Peter Hiltner and Valerie Rossner, also July 1983. Season:  Dry Submitted By:  Colin Parker on Jul 30, 2012 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (2) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

Add Photo  Add Comment    Printer View

Description 

This route is a variation to the first three pitches of the classic Rock On and can be done in one super-long pitch with a 70m rope, but is most commonly done in two pitches, saving the crux for the second pitch. After clipping a pair of bolts low on the first pitch, the climb ascends a corner system just left of Rock On. You will pass an anchor about ninety feet off the ground as you make your way up to a second anchor another seventy feet up. The climbing is characterized by stemming and laybacking in corners with finger cracks. The cruxes are short, with one layback corner crux and the other being the final small overhang, both clocking in around 5.10a. The second pitch is about eighty feet long and tackles the crux roof above the anchor. The finger crack in the back of this roof is somewhat thin and challenging for folks with large fingers. Once you pull the roof the fingers get progressively better until you are rewarded with jugs another ten or fifteen feet later. This pitch clocks in at a solid 5.10c and reminded me of the crux of Blazing Saddles somewhat.

Overall I find this variation to be a worthy alternative to Rock On when conditions are right. Some folks may find it a bit dirtier than its neighbor, but the climbing is top notch.

Location 

Just left of Rock On, this route starts on some dirty ledges and wanders past a pair of bolts into the corner systems above.

Protection 

Standard Rack to 2" and a pair of draws