When hiking into Icebox pay attention to the north side of the canyon. You will pass several small caves and roofs before reaching varnished rock. Keep going - Spring Break lies slightly west of the Magellanic Cloud/Cold September Corner area on a rectangular face of dark rock immediately left of a huge right facing corner capped by chossy roofs. There is a ledge atop this face with a communal anchor at a large horizintal break where the rock becomes less neat and more cruddy.
Spring Break ascends the center of the rectangular face following a thin crack system and horizontals.
P1, .11+: A little grunt off of the deck will get you to an inviting horizontal crack/jug where you can assess exactly how far you might fall in the very near future. Before this, get a spot or place some gear for there is a distinct possibility of a tree trunk enema. Proceed, following the thin vertical crack through the first roof, cramming gear wherever possible. More gear, more climbing lead you to a second roof, after which is a very much appreciated horizontal, rest and relaxation included. More climbing, more gear (trend to the right, back toward the middle of the face and straight up at the last thin crack), deep breath, clip anchors, rap with a rope, sit in the sun, have a snack or a drink of water. A nap is also acceptable.
This can easily be TR'd by leading Mister Masters (9+) around the corner to the east.
Technical, balancy, sustained, intriguing and all around enjoyable climbing on this one.
Protection
Figuring out the protection definitely enhances the experience of this climb. A standard rack with a few extra medium to small cams will do. TCU's are also helpful.
if you're touching .11's at all, get on this on TR- i think the .11+ comes from getting on it on lead- the gear is thin and tough to place. On TR, this route is a challenge, but not insane....decent rests come between cruxes, and the holds are all pretty good. great climb!
I think this climb is 11d on lead, because you can't really rush trough it. The pro is very solid, but strenuous to place, no doubt. Having a good endurance and taking his time with pro is KEY.
Fantastic route, one of the best single pitches I've been on at Red Rocks. Spring Break, as well as Tarantula and Gotham City, would be very hard to send first go without rehearsing the moves on TR. Spectacular piece of stone.
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