Christmas Tree 5.10b/c
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| Type: | Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet |
| Consensus: | 5.10b/c [details] |
| FA: | Bob and Carrie Robertson, 1999 |
| Submitted By: | Brad Short on Nov 30, 2002 |
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Description Locate the small pine tree on a ledge about 55 feet up just right of Blade Runner. The route starts on a slabby face, following 6 bolts to the right side of the ledge with the pine. Care is needed on the ledge, as it is littered with gravel-sized rocks. Gingerly step left around the tree and air it out to the 7th bolt. Most climbers over 6 feet tall will be able to clip this bolt with a stretch from a stance on the ledge. Shorter climbers will experience the "joy" of making a move a two a ways out from the 6th bolt. Although the crux is a couple of bolts before the ledge, the last 2 bolts will get your attention. A good route that deserves the 10b/c rating in Rick Thompson's guide.
Protection 8 bolts to anchors.
| Comments on Christmas Tree |
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By Joe Collins Jan 27, 2003 rating: 5.10d
| If Relampango, Wadsworth, and Politically Incorrect are benchmark Cactus-10c's, then this is 10d. |
By Edward Jenner Sep 8, 2003 rating: 5.10c
| The 7th bolt stretch shouldn't put anyone off doing this climb. Although I'm 6ft I had to make a move to clip it, but it is quite secure - good feet, reasonable hands. If you can lead up to the ledge, you should have no problem. I also think that the 7th bolt is well placed. If it were closer to the ledge it would be useless. The anchors, on the other hand, are a different story. It looks like the rock was really well cleaned on the lower portion, but there is a rotten band with some large loose holds between the last bolt and the anchors. Moving the anchors down below this rotten section might not be a bad idea. Their position to the left of the ledge is good though. Definitely worth getting on. |
By Doug Lintz From: Kearney, NE Apr 11, 2005
| I put the draws up on this for some aspiring 5.10 leaders thinking it was a 10a. Not a good choice.To me it felt easier than Politically Incorrect and I thought the crux was near the 3rd bolt (can't remember exactly). Good route overall. |
By lbishop From: Durango, CO Nov 5, 2007 rating: 5.10b/c
| I've warmed up on this route the past two weekends and feel that it is definitely easier than Politically Incorrect but a different style. 10b/c is pretty accurate imo. Great route, good movement. |
By jarthur From: Westminster, CO Mar 23, 2008 rating: 5.10b/c
| Although the guide says it's only (2) stars I felt this was as good as any other 5.10 at Cactus. I would even give it higher praise if it wasn't for some of the loose rocks on top of the first ledge and of course at the top. Although intimidating looking up at the bolt above the Christmas Tree ledge the holds are all there. Cool line just watch out for your belayer and people below near the ledge and upper section. |
By Monty From: Morrison, Co Jun 9, 2008
| WATCH OUT!!!!! Noticed a large loose hold on the final stretch to the anchor, its out right, a jug and covered in chalk. If you like your belayer don't use this hold. |
By CalebSimpson Sep 8, 2009
| Anybody saying they can reach the 7th bolt from the ledge is OVER 6 feet tall. I am exactly 6 feet tall and was a few inches short AND I have a positive ape index. I thought the sixth bolt was tough, friend had to finish the lead for me, but climbing it on TR I checked to see if I could clip it from the ledge - nope! Be ready to be a bit spooked unless you are really confident at that grade, it was at my limit. |
By Phil Lauffen From: Louyuppie Jan 18, 2010
| I'm about 5'9" and I was able to reach the bolt above the tree after a move, then go back down to ledge and clip a long draw with a biggggg stretch. The top of that tree looks like it's been sharpened to sodomize someone. |
By Bill Olszewski From: Colorado Springs, CO Oct 27, 2010 rating: 5.10c R
| Fun climb, but good God this one's sustained! I just wish the FA party had placed one last bolt in the upper section. My arms were so blown, my grip sucked and I was slipping all the way to the anchors. It was through fear and shear determination that I didn't take a 30+' whipper. |
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