Nuclear Combat

Excellent climb. One of the best 5.11's in the refuge.

The route begins at the first pitch belay of League of Doom. Traverse left off the anchors and then climb straight up the face clipping two bolts.

A common variation is to do the initial unprotected face climbing off the belay as for League until you reach the sloping ledge. Traversing left, clip the first of two updated bolts on this pitch and carefully balance your way left along this ledge until reaching a second bolt.

Crank difficult but well-protected moves (first crux) up into the base of a leaning left-facing corner. A good rest is available here. Jam and lieback up the leaning corner until the left wall ends and the dihedral flip-flops orientation into a right-facing corner. The second crux is making the transition into the right-facing corner. When you can, stem over left into Vegetarian's Delight. These two climbs share their last ten feet or so. Ten feet of easier climbing reaches a good stance with a two-bolt anchor.

From this belay you have three options:

1. Climb the next pitch of Nuclear Combat, which goes up and left to surmount an initial overhang before continuing up the dirty slab to the top. This is an unappealing pitch, runout in spots and holding copious amounts of moss and lichen. You'll also need to carry gear up to a #3 Camalot if you want to do this last pitch.

2. Single rope rappel from this two bolt ring anchor back down to the first pitch belay on League. This rappel can be safely made with a 60-meter rope, although take care to watch the rope ends.

3. Climb a recently established 5.10a traverse pitch between this belay and the second pitch belay on League of Doom. You can then continue to the top with Spaceballs or the easier but exposed last pitch of Fantastic Voyage.

Many thanks to Banks for writing this great description.

2 bolts, Nuts and Cams to 2.5 inches. Anchor (shared with Nubian Dance) replaced Jan 2020.