King Thistle 

FA:  Jonathan Knight and Ian Nielsen, 9/08 New Route:  Yes Type:  Trad Consensus:  5.12 [details] Length:  3 pitches, 600 feet, Grade III Views: 440 page views Submitted By: jonathan knight on Sep 10, 2008 Add Photo  Add Comment

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BETA PHOTO: Topo for King Thistle

Description 

An epic first pitch of difficult crack climbing and a fun, wandering second pitch lead to the classic finish of the Vertical Smile.

Just right of the start for the Triple Overhangs/Vertical Smile climb a wide flare on the right wall of a corner system up and over a small roof and into the corner. Enjoy beautiful patina climbing with gear in the arching corner system. As the crack goes around the arete onto steeper terrain things become increasingly more difficult until it's possible to get sideways in a stem. Climb over a roof and belay in the double cracks above. (5.12) Climb more patina up and right to a ledge out on the arete. From the ledge, a corner system continues up and right. Then head back left to reach a wide crack. Follow this feature until until it's possible to escape left. Trend up and left and belay from a small ledge common to the Vertical Smile. (5.9)

Protection 

Doubles up to a #2 Camalot with a #3 as well. Save some small-medium gear for the belays.

Photos of King Thistle Slideshow

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Ian leading out on the first pitch.