Unbroken Prophet
5.12a YDS 7a+ French 25 Ewbanks VIII+ UIAA 25 ZA E5 6a British R
Avg: 4 from 2 votes
Type: | Trad, 110 ft (33 m) |
FA: | probably Roger Briggs, or maybe Skip on two tabs of sunshine |
Page Views: | 249 total · 12/month |
Shared By: | Adam Brink on Feb 15, 2023 |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Crags on Eldorado Mountain, such as Mickey Mouse wall and Cryptic Crags, are outside of park boundaries and may still be subject to Boulder County closures.
Previously in 2023: per M. McHugh, ECSP: the upper loop of the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, above the Crags Hotel Ruin, & the
Continental Divide Overlook, is closed effective immediately. This included Continental Crag.
These areas are closed to all activities, including rock climbing & hiking, through 7/15 or until further notice, to protect nesting golden eagles on the S side of the canyon.
Golden Eagles are protected by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under authority of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A conviction of nest disturbance can carry a fine to $5,000 & one year imprisonment.
See the map in the photo section for terrain closure.
Previous years: per Dustin Bergman, CO State Parks Officer #770, ECSP:
Seasonal Raptor Closures
Check Park site for current closures:
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/…
For more info visit:
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/…
Double check prior to venturing there. Thanks!
Description
This link-up is briefly written up under False Prophet, but it is so good it deserves its own description. It is a true mental and technical adventure with 4 star climbing.
Start by climbing the very serious Unbroken Chain (11+ R/X). The crux has broken and is significantly different than during the first ascent. The crux is now protected by a #3 and #2 BD pecker piton, and the crux hold/gear is gone. This creates a new and more technical sequence. A fall on the crux traverse to the left would be a wicked slam back into the corner or a groundfall if the pecker pitons aren't placed well.
Once you get to the anchors at the top of Unbroken Chain, take a deep breath, and launch into the starting runout of False Prophet. The runout getting to the roof and the first good gear is heady, and it looks at an ankle breaking fall onto the ledges. Luckily, the moves are downclimbable and only about 5.10+. From the roof on up is some of the most sublime and beautiful arete and corner climbing in Eldo, and the position is airy and excellent.
While each of the two pitches "only" clock in at 5.11+, leading this as one pitch felt harder than Apple Strudel (5.12a) or Hands in the Clouds (5.12a) and equal to Sequential (5.12a); however, it did not feel as hard as Chris Cross (5.12a) or Freak Line (5.12a). A major caveat is that I did this headpoint style. Done onsight or as a ground-up redpoint, it would be well impressive and worth every bit of 5.12.
Tie a knot in the end of your rope! A 70 meter gets you back to the ground with just a bit left over.
Location
It is in The Side Wall area just to the left of The Side Wall route. The line can be seen from the road and is one of the "King Lines" of West Ridge.
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