Crescent Wall 

Greg Miller and I went to Crescent Arch last Tuesday, the first time for both of us. Once we left the trail, the approach (and return) was pretty unpleasant. If when you leave the trail you find yourself immediately in big boulders, you may have gone too far. You need to leave the trail where it bends to the left and Crescent Wall is just across a ravine. There's an open slope leading down into the ravine that's obvious on the return, but hard to see on the approach. At the bottom of the slope are some big boulders. It may be best to skirt those on the right losing some elevation. On the return we descended a ways from below Crescent Arch, passing below most of the boulders and aimed for the open slope. That worked well until the last 100 feet before the uphill where we encountered some difficult boulders. Until/if the best route is marked with cairns, you're likely to encounter some scrambling to bypass big boulders and some nasty brush. At this time of year, expect ice and snow in the ravine. Consider NOT carrying all the big gear that we carried thinking we might actually do Crescent Arch.

The approach to Crescent Wall is simply heinous. I had heard that the approach sucked, but was confident that I could find something that worked, unfortunately I failed and going out as well as coming back were very unpleasant. I plan on cairn marking a reasonable approach (if I can find one) on my next day out there because THE WALL IS REALLY AWESOME, such a cool spot also. It would benefit greatly from an improved trail.

I thought the approach was ok. If you are fine with a bit of boulder hopping and a bit of bushwacking - not all that bad and not that long from the trail to the wall. I would not describe it as henious personally. Follow Ivan's recommendations to find the open slope which is a bit loose. This seems the best way down into the ravine.

This wall isn't for everyone: if you are into runout, scary 5.10 and above trad climbing definitely visit here (and really 5.11 and above to make the visit worthwhile). If not, I wouldn't bother. Most of the climbs encounter runout climbing and it is typical awkward, insecure, flared, slab cracks...though the 11 and above are pretty steep. I left thinking...hmm with a few more bolts this wall would be stellar, but I don't like runout, scary trad climbing that much. As it is it just wasn't enough protection for my taste. Though I thought Crescent Arch and Finger Lickin Good were exceptions. Doesn't seem like this would be a good place when it is hot out.

I thought everything on the left side of the wall was very runout, hard to locate the old bolts, very friction type slab climbing, and with flaking rock....enjoy.

On the approach to Crescent Wall where we busted off east from the trail, we notice two beautiful cracks on a small dome on the left (north)side of the trail. Maybe 20 feet off the trail. The left crack looks like classic, Vedauwoo #3+ size and the right is a nice looking "Z" handcrack with an anchor at the top. Any ideas what they are? I can't imagine they aren't documented just can't find anything. Thanks!

That's Chlamydial Meat Wall.

The #3 crack is "Dave With His Pants Down", 5.10.

The right line is "Chlamydial Meat Pie", 5.11.