Any route or boulder problem that starts out of or near an occupied campsite may not be done without first obtaining the campsite occupant's permission.
BETA PHOTO: Intersection Rock - West Face
Description
This description is only for Upper Right Ski Track. Lower Right Ski Track is treated as separate climbs, so I am listing them that way. However, I prefer long pitches and chose to climb the both in a single 60M+ pitch. This requires a 60 or 70M rope and a larger rack but is worth the time and effort.
On intersection Rock, there are three main cracks running diagonally up and left from the base. These are visible from the North side (from the Hidden Valley Campground) and are called, from right to left, Right Ski Track, Left Ski Track, and Half Track. These are plainly visible in the attached photograph.
Right Ski Track is the right-most of the three climbs, and starts as a left-leaning, left-facing dihedral, climbing 60 feet or so to a ledge that may be traversed onto from a scramble up the West end of the Rock. Below said ledge is Lower Right Ski Track (5.10c). Above this ledge is Upper RST (5.3).
Access the climb via Lower RST, or scramble up the shoulder of Intersection Rock from the West End, roping up and traversing out left (East-ward) along a sloping ramp to the crack. Build a belay and get ready to climb. The route-finding is not difficult, as you will simply follow the crack to the top. Once up top, sling rocks or set gear to bring up the second.There is no particular crux that I noticed. The climb is a fun and easy route with some good jamming and stemming.
From the top, head to the West end and rap off.
Protection
The route is quite well protected, as long as you have an ample rack of hand-to-fist sized pieces. A full set of cams up to 4" combined with a full set of hexes #7-11 should do the trick quite well, but if you want to sew it up, then rack up even more heavily.
A few more cams, including one large piece (#4 cam or #10 hex) might be useful at the belay at the base of the pitch (above Lower Right Ski Track) if you are starting in from there.
Great beginner climb to get someone used to exposure, but not necessarily the best climb to start leading in. Because the climb leans (a fall, though unlikely, would involved a pendulum) and gets stranger at the top, beginning leaders should probably follow this climb first or get confident on higher grades. Lots of pro options once you get into the crack, but more .75-1.5" pieces probably. Higher up gets a little wierd if your not used to the deep flarey style of josh cracks you need to get up with heel/toe cams and hands for balance.
From the top go 10-15' leftish and there will be a horizontal crack in a boulder to use medium sized and smaller gear to belay from.
Intersection Rock
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