Faultline Variation  5.9

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Type:  Trad, 1 pitch, 60 feet Consensus:  5.9+ [details] FA:  Les Ellsion and Ken Speirs, 1983 Submitted By:  Arie on Sep 16, 2007 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (4) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

BETA PHOTO: The Watchtower Proper. The yellow arrow is the fi...

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Description 

This climb is a great way to beat the crowds chumming around Extreme Unction and is an excellent exit to a day in Ferguson. Climb any of the lower tier routes on the lower watchtower (Extreme Unction to Beef Jerky) or scramble up from the west via the Watchtower toprope trail. A narrow wooded ledge provides ample room to get started (basic gear belay is a good idea).

Follow a quality crack (hands to fist) off the ledge using jams and jugs to the confluence with Bucklands Var. and slug right. Avoid the standard Ferguson guano pile and head for the obvious vertical cleft. The cleft starts out steep (crux), as a variable crack with many positive holds, but ends as tormenting body squeeze (much love)- potentially requiring the removal of all extraneous gear and clothing... or it may be possible to climb the outside of the chimney.

Top out and enjoy the grey view of the SLC blight. A good mix-up to the Ferguson standards. Save some gas from your 13th lap on Unction... the steep section is a surprising pump.

Location 

Faultline is located on the 'Watchtower Proper', the tower-like peninsula of rock out-jutting above the lower Watchtower area. Begin at the obvious crack on the ledge above Garden of Eden. Walk off to the west (poor trail) is the most viable descent option.

Protection 

Standard rack. At least one larger cam was useful (#4 camalot) but you could get by without. Upper and lower belays are gear- mid sizes.

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Getting to the faultly business...