At the left side of Spiney Ridge is a beautiful panel of pocketed limestone. The Hurricane starts just right of a right-facing corner and climbs up the center of the panel. Several cruxes with the last at the top. Steep, sharp edge and pocket climbing makes this one of the best routes in its grade at Shelf Road.
I loved this route! It is very sustained until the end, which makes it so fun and challenging. For me, being 5'3", it felt every bit 12c... there were lots of reaches that required small (VERY small) intermediate crimping. The hollow flake-ledge with the "X" on it after the 3rd bolt is a bit unsettling, and would be better if removed or reinforced because it has the potential to be very unsafe. Up until the very end, I thought I was going to come off! The last crux, which I took directly, instead of going right as I saw some taller folks do, is HARD and desperate. Nice, longer for shelf, and fun!
The large flake with the "X" is hollow but seems solid as long as you only pull down, but not out on it. Probably almost no way to get around using it right now. It will pull off eventually so you may want to belay around the corner to the left and discourage your dog from resting in the shade of that juniper tree at the base. Still a good route worth doing.
I climbed this route last Friday, and I must say, that if there was a hollow flake on it; it's gone now. This route is spectacular, and a new Shelf favorite for me. The sustained climbing is great and I feel that it is solid 12b. I sent the route as dark storm clouds and big gusts of wind were coming in. What a way to send the Hurricane. My only complaint is that bolt 10 is way off to the left. It was kind of weird. But other than that the route is perfect! I HIGHLY recommend this route!
Dan, glad you enjoyed the route, it is on of the best route at Shelf! As to the position of the 10 bolt, we climbed the route straight-up not out to the right. Going to the right seems to make the ending a tad easier. Bob D
This is a very nice route. Great find, Bob! Sustained, but there are some good stances to get the juice back. The move to the anchors wasn't all that difficult, but it is tricky since you suddenly find yourself at a balancey, technical move after 60 feet of enduro pocket pulling.
Spiney Ridge
RSS Feed
