BETA PHOTO: Bambi Meets Godzilla, crux is that last line of cr...
Description
This route is on the NE face of Echo Rock and approximately in the middle. It's an obvious, slightly s-curving crack that is quite long. The route begins behind a pine tree. It's rated 5.8, but my partner and I felt the upper portion of the crack was 5.9.
Protection
Standard rack. Make sure you have your large cams along.
By Taryn From: San Diego, CA Feb 17, 2006 rating: 5.8+
This climb starts in a cave (!), and has four distinct sections (which just gets harder and harder): cave (easy scramble), deep off-width crack with smaller crack inside (hard to place deep gear), funky crack with stemming moves, and HARD curving hand crack with no feet. I watched a guy struggle on this section before doing the climb myself, and thought "why is he taking so long?" Now I know! I'd say that top section is harder than 5.8. Fun, but I was definitely bambi in the "bambi meets godzilla" scenario!
By Andy Laakmann Site Landlord From: Jackson Hole, WY Apr 8, 2006 rating: 5.9-
Found lots of Godzilla on this climb, but very little Bambi. Interesting climbing, tough crux for a 5.8 imo - better know how to jam!
The cave can be avoided by easy slab climbing outside it. Protection in the second section (the deep OW) is located in a secondary crack on the right wall (hidden inside).
The descent is hiking off right. Not too bad, but some downclimbing between boulders is to be expected.
The pitch is more like 160 feet, so bring plenty of gear. Doubles from fingers to fist and an optional #4 camalot with a few longer runners.
More like godzilla (funky trough at the beginning) meets bambi (easy hand crack at the top). A decent route due to the length and setting. But that trough was just plain stupid.