Centaur  5.13c

964 page views Good page?

Type:  Trad, Sport, 2 pitches, 140 feet Consensus:  5.13c [details] FA:  FFA: Chris Weidner, Nov. 20, 2012, with Heather Weidner and Bruce Miller New Route:  Yes Fixed Hardware:  6 Lead Bolts, 4 Belay Bolts [details] Submitted By:  Chris Weidner on Nov 24, 2012 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (1) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

Heather Weidner rapping over the crux roof for ano...

Add Photo  Add Comment    Printer View

2013 Raptor Nesting Closure in effect - NOW LIFTED MORE INFO >>> As of Feb. 1, 2013, a seasonal wildlife closure is in effect on Redgarden Wall in Eldorado Canyon State Park to protect nesting and roosting sites of the canyon’s falcons. The closure starts Feb. 1 through July 31, or until further notice and includes the following climbing routes: The Naked Edge (last 3 pitches only), The Diving Board, Centaur, Redguard (last 3 pitches only), Red Ant, Semi-Wild, Anthill Direct (last 3 pitches only), and The Sidetrack. For more info, visit dnr.state.co.us/newsapp/press.asp?PressId=8152 From an Eldorado Canyon tweet, the Redgarden Wall closures were lifted May 6, 2013. 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 Action Committee for Eldorado

Description 

Centaur is a spectacular and varied route on the right side of the Prow of Tower Two, which parallels the last pitches of the Naked Edge and Diving Board. The steep corner and roof pitch was first aid climbed (A3) in 1967. Two decades later (late 1980s or early 1990s) it was retro-bolted as a sport pitch, but it hadn't been freed.

Climb the first 5 pitches of Redguard (easily combined into 3 pitches). Traverse 15 feet left on the maroon band (loose) to a sloping belay with one good bolt, one bad bolt, and gear. Looming above is a steep corner and roof with bolts.

P1: Struggle up the overhanging corner (bizarre body English) to the roof. Burly underclings with poor feet lead to liebacks, tips jams, and a deceptively tricky exit to the old hanging belay. [*Bad gear, an uncomfortable stance, and no pro for the next 15 feet make this a poor belay.] Shake out here, then tackle the short, red roof to a no-hands stance at the first protection bolt of the last pitch.

Bolt, fixed HB offset, RPs.
8 bolts; 55 feet; 13c.

P2: An amazing pitch, first freed by Christian Griffith in 1986.
Ascend the vertical face past several old bolts (need replacement) and gear to a striking seam in a hanging plaque of stone. Jam, crimp, and paste your way up the seam (RPs, tiny cams) to a steep finish in a dihedral. It is best to belay at a tree 40 feet beyond the lip of the wall.

4 bolts, 1 pin, gear; 85 feet; 12c.

Protection 

Centaur (top 2 pitches only):
RPs, small-medium nuts, 1ea. #000 C3 - #1 Camalot.

Complete route (starting from the ground):
Add 1ea #2, #3 Camalots.

Photos of Centaur Slideshow

Add Photo

Chris Weidner on the crux roof. Photo: Celin Serbo...

Chris Weidner beginning the crux of the 12c pitch....