BETA PHOTO: Beta photo of Gneiss Roof on Mission Wall taken fr...
Description
In the summer of 2000 Greg Purnell put up a route through the main black sector of the Mission Wall. Gneiss Route starts roughly in the middle sector of the wall, in the main section that has been cleared of undergrowth. The climbing starts just left of the pegmatite band; this band holds a nice route in it's own right. For Greg's route, angle up left toward a small overhang and a tricky 5.11 crux 15 ft off the deck. Some interesting climbing in the 5.10/5.11 range gets you to a double bolt anchor at 90 ft. This makes a fine 5.11 pitch all by itself, although it still needs a bit of cleaning at the belay ledge--you'll need two ropes to get down from the 120' anchor though. The second pitch jumps left a bit immediately for a questionable flake, straightens out and heads for the black overhang above. The overhang can be negotiated on some remarkably huge holds at 5.12a. You can stop just over this roof or continue up the slab for 40 ft more. This provides good access to the Surette ledge without the hair-ball scramble used when approached from above. Two stars for a lot of good climbing, largely but not completely good stone, and the well constructed bolting job.
Protection
QD only. This two pitch route can be done with a 60 m rope, but double ropes makes much better sense all around both for the raps and for the potential to string pitches together. The first pitch is 5.11 and the second is 5.12a/b.
The first pitch anchor is at 120' so be careful if you're only doing the first pitch.
Two finishes can be had for the upper pitch. One ends just above the overhang. Alternatively, you can continue through the black slab above for another 40 ft and pick up a third double bolt anchor at the Surette ledge.
Gneiss route no longer starts just left of the pegmatite band. That description now belongs to Wild Child, which ain't too bad. Bring your helmet though!!
with the 'questionable flake' (that Richard refers to) now gone, it makes for the starting moves of the second pitch more difficult (.12) and the 2nd clip quite a reach (i am 6'2", with go-go gadget arms).
Warm up the forearms for the start! Also if you are worried about the clip at the first pitch crux, you can get to a jug above and left, and clip from your waist.
Very dicey clip at the P2 crux with the flake missing.
WARNING: The first belay is at 120' (as in the photo) not at 90' (as in the description). You cannot lower directly from the first belay with a 60m rope.
By Alan Searcy From: Pine, Colorado Jul 24, 2007 rating: 5.12a/b
An excellent line with several hard bits, including the start to the second pitch. Very cool moves right off the deck and it keeps surprising you. The last 40' doesn't appear to get a lot of traffic to Surette Ledge.
The Mission Wall
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