BETA PHOTO: Myth Rock, viewed from the Avalon boulder field.
Description
Myth Rock is the steep crag above the parking shoulder for Avalon. It is on the north side of the highway directly across from the Tyrolean traverse for Avalon. The definitive feature of the crag is a huge open book dihedral ascended by the route Excalibur. The rock is mostly very solid golden granite. The routes are mostly sport with a couple of cracks thrown in for good measure. Don't worry about the noise of cars and Harleys. As soon as you are off the ground you will only hear Boulder Creek and the turning of your soul.
To reach Myth Rock drive 8.2 miles beyond the first bridge across Boulder Creek on Highway 119 (Canyon Boulevard in Boulder). Continue past Boulder Falls (7.6 miles) and park on the right side of the road near or below the crag. One may also park at the Practice Rock (8.1 miles) or at Animal World (8.6 miles) and walk along the shoulder of the highway to the rock.
Mjolnir is the name of the mythical hammer of Thor, who is the Norse God of Thunder. Over the millenia Mjolnir has come to represent more a state of mind than an actual hammer [wielded] by the Thunder God of the Vikings (who are my ancestors). The route begins from the curb a short way left from the direct start to Excalibur. Climb steep rock to an overhanging V-shaped dihedral (crux). Lieback out of the dihedral, then climb straight up past the ...[more]
Makes Potash Road seem like Chiefshead -- great ambiance for those partial to parking garages. The noise of an endless procession of cars and trucks powering up the grade, the fact that the climbs start on a road cut and the aroma of partially combusted petroleum set this cliff apart.
How's that differ from say the Boulderado, Practice Rock, Brick Wall, Bowling Alley? Lunch time on weekdays offers a quick break from work and isn't too noisy.
Out of all of the crags at Boulder canyon, this is the only one where I'd fear being struck by a car while belaying. That says nothing of the climbing, but that is the difference between this crag and some others, insofar as I am concerned. The Bowling Alley has a lot of climbs far from the road, and while some are close, relatively, you don't belay on the pavement.Sound Power in an short- open system diminishes exponentially with distance, so being "twice as close" to traffic is going to make it 4X as loud, anway.
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