Diesel and Dust 

Confused about this route: at the top, before the angle kicks back, I always traverse right up a small ramp, make the last clip awkwardly, then move up and back directly left to get to the anchors. This seems so weak to me, doesn't follow the line of protection, and leaves me feeling like I still haven't climbed this route. But I've dogged for minutes on end contemplating that last steep section that stays true to the line of bolts and can't even see a hold. Any help on this? Pura vida.

WARNING! As of today someone had removed the hangers from the anchors at the top of pitch two.

Diesel and Dust now has new beefy stainless steel anchors, courtesy of Climbing Magazine and Petzl.

Anyone know what the second pitch is like?

Did both pitches yesterday for the first time. I've done the first pitch many times, but never went on to second. Found second to be a lot of fun. Crux comes early, between the second and third bolt. Slightly overhanging on thin hands. I felt the P2 crux move was harder than any single move on the first pitch. After that the grade eases to .9 climbing to the anchors. We couldn't find P2 anchors, and ended up traversing 20 feet left on easy terrain to the P2 Alligator Soup anchors. Both pitches make for a great climb.

FA: Ric and Cindy Geiman in 1990.

The slings at the top of this are in need of replacing. Both looked rotten and old.

Jeremy,
I assume you're referring to the slings at the top of the New Generation pitch (according to D'Antonio's guide). This is the alternative pitch 2 above Diesel and Dust that traverses right for about 20 feet from the chains atop D&D P1 (as opposed to the true D&D P2 that goes straight up from the chains and has no anchors or slings at the top - they got chopped years ago).

If so, I agree. A buddy and I did this pitch a few weeks ago. We weren't too confident in the webbing or the stacked pins, and didn't think that rapping would be a great idea. Instead, we thought it safer and quiet easy to traverse right from the anchors and downclimb into the P2 belay alcove of New Era.

Not too many folks climb the New Generation pitch, but this would be a good one to have a knife on. That webbing certainly needs to go.

Second pitch anchors replaced in the fall of 2008.

Definitely a "feel good" 5.11, but fun nonetheless. It's rare to find solid crimps like this at the Garden which is the land of sand and home of "pull down not out".

Great 11a. Climb cut face holds to honeycomb looking things to more cut, slanted, face holds. Great, sustained climb! Nice rap rings at the top, too!