The good holds are there, just reach. Topping out ...
Description
Swollen is a second pitch variation to The Big E on enjoyable, well-protected face climbing. No doubt this face has been climbed before but we hadn't heard of it so we'll be presumptuous and give it a name and a rating. Nice jugs and incuts with just enough cracks and pockets for protection with a steep face finish make this very fun.
Location
From the bolted anchor atop P1 of The Big E, step immediately right and go straight up the face between the left-facing corner of The Big E and the right facing corner of Juniper Overhang. About 2/3rds of the way up the angle backs off for a moment but then goes nearly vertical with nice, positive holds and small pro just when you want it. Finish straight up to the bolted anchor on a nice ledge at the top of the cliff.
Protection
Small to medium camalots and nuts. I don't use tri-cams but I saw a couple of pockets that would take small to medium sized tris nicely. This face goes straight up to the bolted anchor atop P2 of Juniper Overhang.
Excellent variation on the standard "Big E" route. Gear placements are a bit scarce for the easier climbing, but there's good (small) stuff where you need it.
By scotthsu From: Los Alamos, NM Aug 9, 2009 rating: 5.7
Hadn't done this variation before. Nice route, maybe one of my new favorites pitches at the trad area. Good exposed climbing with holds and pro just where you need them. I thought the climbing was 5.6 or easier until the final headwall with a 5.7 finish.
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