Boulder Problem in the Sky  5.11-

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Type:  Trad, 2 pitches, 220 feet Consensus:  5.11- [details] FA:  FA Diff Ritchie, Bob Rotert Season:  Spring-Fall Submitted By:  TomCaldwell on Jul 31, 2012 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (1) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

Tom in the massive corner of BPitS

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2013 Closed MORE INFO >>> Effective January 2013 All climbing between and including Southwest Arete and Mainline are closed due to the local falcon population This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment 2013 Closures MORE INFO >>> Big Lost Cove Cliffs are closed to climbing due to the local falcon population This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Description 

A unique route for Whitesides because it takes a plethora of gear. Unlike most of the face routes at Whitesides, BPitS is a crack/corner feature. This route stays dry due to the large roof cap. It also faces west, so it is great on summer mornings. The very large white left-facing corner is easy to spot from the approach. The crux hardware probably needs some updating, but will most likely hold a fall.

From the approach trail, head near the base of the corner and rack up in the woods. Once racked up, make a step across a gully to get to a ledge at the base of the route. The start is a chimney that turns into a right facing corner. Climb up the chimney and corner, then make a tricky move left to get to the ledge at the base of the main left facing corner. Climb up using face holds and the corner with plenty of gear options. Continue until you reach a single bolt with a fixed nut and webbing anchor. Belay or rappel here or continue on.

Move straight up off the belay to get below a block. Get a good piece of gear here and sling it long. Step back down and make the tricky traverse left, do not continue straight up to the roof above. Continue traversing left to a piton at a stance. The pin can be backed up. Make a move up so that your below a small roof and your feet are at the piton. Clip the new single bolt that protects the crux. Get into the business by making the tough, balancy, and sustained moves up until you can step left onto the ledge. Continue moving across the big easy ledge until you reach some bolts at your feet. Continue straight up or rappel down. Rappelling here is recommended.

Continue straight up the corner feature until you top out in the bushes.

Location 

Rappel with one 70m straight down to your pack if you stop at P2 or rappel with one 60m down and to the left or continue to the top and walk-off.

Protection 

Single rack to #2 C4 with nuts and tri-cams. Bring plenty of shoulder length slings with maybe one 4' sling if you plan on linking P1 and P2. P2's anchor consists of 4 bolts linked together with some webbing and a piece of rope with rings. The rope was in good shape as of June 2012, but bring extra if concerned.

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By s f From: Georgia Aug 1, 2012

Nice description Tom. I once got off route to the left, missed the crux, and pulled a moderate bulge directly below the P2 anchor. P3 is fun but its anchor is awkward and ratty. The top-out sucks, at least when wet.

By Phoffmann Oct 13, 2012

Nice description Tom! This route is a must do for sure. The natural pro is good and so is the rock quality. P1 is classic 5.8 in of its self. I will say that the fixed hardware is atrocious and is in desperate need of repair. The fact that it has not been replaced yet is an embarrassment. The crux bolt at the 5.11- crux is a time bomb. The belay at the top of P2 needs to be completely re-engineered. I understand that the bolts were placed on lead with a hand drill and hammering straight down onto the ledge is more efficient than hammering straight in the wall in front, but redesigning the belay with a power drill straight in the wall above and in front will provide a safer and better belay stance while eliminating the factor 2 possibility starting the third pitch as it is a "no fall" 5.9 move.

By s f From: Georgia Oct 13, 2012

Coincidence- the crux is now much safer and less cluttered. One stainless bolt effectively replaced all of this: crux fixed gear Submitted By: s f on Oct 13, 2012 The 5/16 inch bolt appeared to just be a machine bolt, hammered in rivet style. It was rusted in-half inside the hole. The new replacement bolt is located as to keep the rope out from underfoot. For giggles I tested the fall on roped solo. It is now super clean and G rated instead of a roll of the dice.

By TomCaldwell From: Clemson, S.C. Dec 18, 2012

Thanks for this update and all the others sf. I always considered that crux a no-fall.

By shannon stegg Mar 30, 2013

There are three more routes to the left of "Vaporizer". "S.O.S. by Jim Corbet and its second pitch, "Rain Drop Traverse" which joins up with "boulder Problem in the Sky". "Hanging Gardens" 5.10 is a one pitch route originally done in two. This starts off a large detatched block and is a much better climb done in one pitch, two ropes make it a better lead. Just left at the end of the wall is "Lopper Land" 5.9 a one pitch route up a dirty corner, better and harder than it looks! Short approach and spectacular views makes this place one of my favorite. If you end up at the Southwest end do not miss N.C. most exposed hike! This one way romp is not to be missed. It ends at the start of the headwall about 450 feet off the deck. It is refered to as the Indian Ledges.