1972: vibram klettershoes, swami webbing, fingerless gloves, a couple slung hexes that didn't fit; just basically clipping the 3 fixed pitons.

All Locations > New York > Gunks > Trapps > h. The Arrow Wa… > Cascading Crystal Kal… (5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13)

1972: vibram klettershoes, swami webbing, fingerless gloves, a couple slung hexes that didn't fit; just basically clipping the 3 fixed pitons.

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The 5.7+ third pitch of Cascading Crystal Kaleidoscope (CCK), an airy and exposed Gunks classic.<br>
<br>
Photo by [[11870]].

Soloist on CCK, 8/13/11

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4.7 from 18 votes

Mike Steele

Dec 4, 2019

“1972: vibram klettershoes, swami webbing, fingerless gloves, a couple slung hexes that didn't fit; just basically clipping the 3 fixed pitons.”

2 Comments

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I seconded CCK back when I first started climbing, and can still remember the combination of excitement and sheer panic I felt on the P3 traverse. Now, a couple years later on lead, not too much has changed.

The 5.7+ third pitch of Cascading Crystal Kaleidoscope (CCK), an airy and exposed Gunks classic.<br>
<br>
Photo by [[11870]].

1972: vibram klettershoes, swami webbing, fingerless gloves, a couple slung hexes that didn't fit; just basically clipping the 3 fixed pitons.

Soloist on CCK, 8/13/11

the money pitch, Fall 2016

Laura Sasso on CCK

Jon Otto leading the money pitch of CCK with lots of air beneath his heels. Crisp October temps

CCK

Nuria peering over the abyss.

Pretty nice ledge to stand on on P3 of CCK!

July 31st 2021, photo by Mariana Rius. Highly recommend the Erect Direction pitch 1 start and the CCK Direct finish through the roof on the left for a full value climb!

Following on P3 of CCK, just shy of the belay ledge

Such a cool rock to stand on after topping out CCK

Interesting angle

Craig Plescia - 2015<br>
<br>
Starting up the flake.

Entering the Dacks-esque last section of last pitch. Great pro here, 5 stars to the top.

Chris leading the money pitch, Fall 2016

One of the best routes in the Gunks

Hubert on CCK

CCK from the top of pitch 3

Bruno Hamann leading CCK, "the Gunks." circa 1989

CCK on a German climbing shoe box (mid 90s)

Calm, JT making the move

Wonderwoman on CCK

Just a beautiful climb...

Start of CCK

Definitely one of the coolest routes I have done.

Nearing the top

Joel Ryan moving up the flake. Nov. 2016.

Mitchal Miller shoots his wife on CCK

CCK in the old days.

First pitch of CCK goes through here, not too tough but protection flexibilty is limited. Classic finish seen at top center.

Gail topping out on P2 of CCK

Heather climbing Cascading Crystal Kaleidoscope (CCK) on a hot day.

2nd Pitch (wrong way I think)<br>
Are you supposed to move up right of that first piece and then back left to here? This corner felt harder than 5.7 but worked out fine...

feeling around for holds...

great climb

A different view of CCK...not nearly as exciting as the traditional traverse photo. Mitchal making the final moves.

working up the balancy polished crack.

Jeff Arliss nearing the top.

It was the '80's and it was only 5.7 or so then which explains why I was leading it in my Five Tennies.

For the cheese ball photo

Robert makes the moves on P1 of CCK.

starting up the crack

Ladd Raine enjoying the final pitch.

starting up the crack

Andrew Kaplan just below the CCK crux.

Filipe on CCK

Such an amazing pitch! Far easier than it appears when you head out from the belay!!

This pitch is G

Last pitch of CCK

Leading CCK in my puffy.. unnecessary at 55 degrees...

what a great route! can't wipe the smile off my face...

Ladd Raine eyeing the final moves out of the traverse.

Classic CCK Shot

most photogenic climb i've ever done!

Joel Ryan goofing at the end of the traverse before moving up the flake.

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