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Aqualunge

5.11a, Sport, 40 ft (12 m),  Avg: 2.5 from 24 votes
FA: Galen Kirkwood, Frank Noble, Mike Paul 1976
California > San Diego County > S San Diego County > Mission Gorge > Limbo Area

Description

This route starts out moderate but increases in difficulty really quick. The meat of the climbing heads up a leftward slanting seam that provides holds about as well as it provides gear. There's a reason it's bolted. Old school 11a.

Location

Up on the hill. Head up from the base of The Rift/Mighty Monter/Vawter's Dihedral.

Protection

2 Bolts. You wouldn't want to fall in the wrong place on this route. For mortals we can toprope (bolts) it without too much difficulty by scrambling up left of the route. There are a couple of potential gear options for the lead but I have never paid them much attention on TR.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The leftmost bolts are for Aqualunge. Climb the seam to the right of the bolts. The right line of bolts is harder and more sustained but safer to lead. That is Escape From The Underworld.
[Hide Photo] The leftmost bolts are for Aqualunge. Climb the seam to the right of the bolts. The right line of bolts is harder and more sustained but safer to lead. That is Escape From The Underworld.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Jason Kim
Encinitas, CA
  5.11a
[Hide Comment] A distinct crux just above the first bolt, which took me a few tries to figure out the sequence. The upper section is just a bit easier. Seems like it would be a heady lead, particularly as an onsight. Apr 13, 2013
Mackenan Grassi
  5.11a
[Hide Comment] This one looks run out from the ground, but it's pretty safely bolted. The climbing up to the first bolt is fairly easy. The high first bolt limits any deck potential getting to the second bolt. The small hands and technical movement end just a few moves after the second bolt.

I consider this a hidden gem for Mission Gorge. Fun movement all the way up, especially the crux. Oct 8, 2016
Robert M
[Hide Comment] Be careful when setting up a TR on this, especially if you're moving anchors between this and Apostrophe. The angled dirt patch is quite loose and slippery, particularly if the dead grass is hiding it... it drops right over the edge and will liven up your day trying to grab something before you take flight. Ask me how I know. Oct 9, 2020
costco hotdog
St. George
  5.11a
[Hide Comment] A hidden MG gem. Fantastic route with good movement, consistent difficulty, and good rock (for MG). Leading seems freaky, but the moves to the first bolt are mellow and a fall at the crux keeps you off the ground. Apr 16, 2023
Limestone Stoic
[Hide Comment] Its strange to me that its neighboring route to the right gets a generous 5 bolts while this route gets a paltry 2 bolts. Kind of a bummer! Both are high quality and super fun in a stellar location high up on the hill overlooking the gorge below, but leader beware! The movement is great but the risk factor is a legitimate concern. Mar 12, 2024