The rock itself is separated (by a huge boulder) into two sections...a slabby area on the left that leads to a second pitch headwall, and an ampitheater on the right that contains some solid one pitch cracks. This is the furthest right of the routes in the amphitheater.
Starts out with some nice widish jams for about 20-30 feet. Step left over a bulge to a nice finger crack. The finger crack didn't like my stoppers too much, but was easily sewed up with a green Alien. In a way, these moves reminded me of the first pitch of Pear Buttress at Lumpy. Continue up the finger crack that widens so thin hands, and cruise past an easy bulge to the top. Walk off right. Fun.
Eds. note, this was submitted initially as Flake Route.
Protection
Hand size for the botton, TCUs for the finger crack, and a couple mid range cams for the top.
All of the alcove routes are great, but this was the best of the bunch. This might make a good first lead for someone who has done some crack climbing, as the crux is short and all the gear can be placed from good stances.
This was named Illegal Smile. 1st ascent was in 1982 by myself with Tom E. following, was 5.8 at the time and sounds like it still is. Also a great John Prine song.
By England From: Colorado Springs, CO Aug 24, 2009 rating: 5.8
Very fun climb. The only thing about this area that freaks me out a bit is the large rock(roof) above the anchors looks like it's about to fall off.
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