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The First Element

5.12c, Sport, 65 ft (20 m),  Avg: 3.8 from 9 votes
FA: Jake Dickerson (July 2023)
Wyoming > Jackson Hole > Swift Creek Canyon > Periodic Table > 04. Precious Metals Wall

Description

Immaculate pitch on "French" quality limestone on par with the good stuff at The Grail and the Wailing Wall. This is the first route established at the cliff after a seriously epic bolting adventure. The route follows a faint right trending seam then up the tallest cleanest section of the cliff via perfect crimps, pockets, and pinches.

The first 3 bolts climb nice incut edges and sidepulls to a rest at a mini ledge. Follow the right trending seam feature for three more bolts of surprisingly pumpy climbing before you fully transfer onto the grey streak.

The first crux involves some long reaches on small edges which lead to a few cool pockets that you can get a quick rest. Then the final redpoint crux comes right before the last bolt with a long/balancy move to and from a slopey pinch. Gain the two nice edges and you "should" clip the chains.

Awesome pitch!

Location

Right most route on the triangle shaped section that follows the grey/blue streak to the top of the feature.

Protection

11 stainless steel bolts to rings

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Zach Nadiak on First Element Photo: Joey Sackett
[Hide Photo] Zach Nadiak on First Element Photo: Joey Sackett
Takes the center of the tallest grey/blue streak
[Hide Photo] Takes the center of the tallest grey/blue streak

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Flat Earth Society
The Plane
  5.12c
[Hide Comment] Thin and sustained on beautiful rock. Between this and the neighboring Potassium Powerpump, anyone climbing in mid 12 range has some great options! If you like thin crimping and decent feet this one if for you, if you like tricky footwork but better handholds then the Powerpump will get you psyched Sep 25, 2023
Erez Shani
Boulder
 
[Hide Comment] JD special, get the crimpers ready ;) Sep 18, 2024