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Down on the Pharm

5.8, Sport, 100 ft (30 m), 2 pitches,  Avg: 2.2 from 36 votes
FA: Sam Shannon
Colorado > Ft Collins > Poudre Canyon > Crystal Wall > N Face
Warning Access Issue: 2025 Seasonal Raptor Closures - Triple Tier, Boston Peak, Grazing Allotment Crag DetailsDrop down

Description

Down On The Pharm is the easiest route at Crystal Wall. It is supposed to be 2 pitches in length, but the second pitch is still in progress. According to the Poudre Canyon Rock Climbing Guide, there are only seven bolts. As of 5/31/2011, there were at least 10 bolts. The crux of the first pitch is at a small bulge while crossing over a corner to the right.

Location

The route is far to the left side of the North Face of Crystal Wall, 50 feet left of Orange Crimpsicle. I was lowered from the 9th bolt, where I left a locking carabiner.

Protection

As of 5/31/2011, there were at least 10 bolts. I did not see any double anchors.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Down on the Pharm at bottom of the pitch.
[Hide Photo] Down on the Pharm at bottom of the pitch.
Anchor back on the ledge.
[Hide Photo] Anchor back on the ledge.
Upper section of P1 of Down On The Pharm, showing approximate locations of the bolts.  The uppermost bolt shown is bolt #9.
[Hide Photo] Upper section of P1 of Down On The Pharm, showing approximate locations of the bolts. The uppermost bolt shown is bolt #9.
Pitch 2.  Not complete but looks nice. There is at least one bolt up there with a single draw on it.
[Hide Photo] Pitch 2. Not complete but looks nice. There is at least one bolt up there with a single draw on it.
Looking up from the base of Down On The Pharm towards Bananarete.
[Hide Photo] Looking up from the base of Down On The Pharm towards Bananarete.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] There are 10 bolts and double rap anchors hidden until after the last bolt on P1, don't know about P2. Good quality rock and good moves, good lead for beginner.

Access from Bananarete/ Crimpsicle requires some bushwacking, I recommend taking the lower trail that doesn't follow the wall too close. Aug 1, 2011
Chris Swope
Greeley, co
[Hide Comment] Did this route with my kids the other day. Man, those are some well camo'ed bolt hangers, you don't see them until you're on top of them. Overall, a pretty good route. Not sure if I would recommend it to a new leader unless he or she is solid on 5.7. Jun 7, 2013
Marty Wells
Fort Collins, CO
[Hide Comment] Only had 9 bolts that we could see. Didn't see the anchors either. Would be a fun beginner multi-pitch if the two pitches were established! Nov 10, 2013
John Byrnes
Fort Collins, CO
5.8
[Hide Comment] I believe I clipped 12 bolts plus chain anchors. Move right after the small dihedral, pull the crux bulge, and continue to the big ledge and anchor bolts on the back wall. NOT a great toprope situation, as the rope rubs badly on the ledge edge (The anchors should be moved, either higher on the back wall, or better, to the ledge edge). I'd call this pitch 5.8.

I looked for a second pitch but didn't see any higher bolts. They could be camo'ed. The rock above looks good and like a lot of fun... Jun 9, 2014
Parker Wrozek
Denver, CO
  5.8
[Hide Comment] Decent pitch. If someone wants to TR it, just belay from the top as you have a big ledge. I counted 10 bolts and the anchor. Everything is there and looked in good shape. The route does move right a bit and runners are helpful to prevent a lot of rope drag.

Pitch two looks great, but I could only find one bolt way up with a draw hanging on it. Jul 26, 2015
[Hide Comment] Bring a 70m if you TR. Aug 21, 2019
Paul Thayer
Ft. Collins, CO
 
[Hide Comment] A really fun route that used ALL of our 60m rope. Plenty of bolts and a nice ledge for setting/cleaning the anchor. I'm still just learning to climb outside, and I thought it was a good lead climb for newbies. Jul 10, 2021