The climb was named The Road to Mecca as the route is very holy!. Starts about the same level as the start to Death by Chocolate but at the bottom of the slot canyon at the top pool.Those parties that have enjoyed the climb "1000'of Fun" will find this easy mountaineering type climb has a similar atmosphere and great views from its summit.(P1.Follow the slanting brown dyke on the right of the pool towards the holes.Double anchors.200'5.5. (P2. Up to the right and gain the long road of holes,follow to double anchors. 200' 5.3. (P3. Continue the holy way to double anchors. 200'5.3.(P4. Continue the pilgrimage to double anchors.200'5.3.Straight very holey slab, cross the big crack and up to an ledge/alcove just below the summit.200'5.0. Scramble 60' to summit and register in cairn.Descent...It is advisable to down climb the very easy last pitch as pulling ropes down this very rough slab would be difficult. From the anchors top of pitch 4 rap the route.
Location
One goes up the same slot canyon as for "Death by Chocolate"If the lower pools have water (sometimes about waist deep)and one has a fear of water there is an alternative via the one pitch "Aquaphobia" 5.4/5.It also brings one past the awkward little groove.If dry the canyon approach is the easiest to find.Alternative:- At the very entrance of the slot canyon on the north side scramble up the narrow bush filled gully .continue and look out for a ramp leading back left then right and down climb an easy crack for 15 feet, then continue up the terrace to find double rap anchors.100' rap back into the canyon and easy walk to the climbs: the climb back out up the rappel line,this is "Aquaphobia" 5.4/5!
Protection
Take a small rack and slings, mainly for the first pitch or when ever. Two 60m ropes.
By EdwardWalker From: western, colorado Nov 9, 2007
Paul and etc. We were excited to do this route on Monday because it looks great and is right in our grade, but we got lost and couldn't find the slot to climb up. I'm sure we saw it, but i guess i wasn't sure which one it was. Could it be possible to take/post a pic of the slot that leads to the bottom of the route? Infact, you guys/gals did such a nice job in this area, putting in all the routes would it be possible to post an over view map and comman paths to hike, so we don't beat up the area and can find all of these kickass pitches. just a thought. Ned Walker
Hi. It is difficult to find things as it is a big complex area. I think if you study Death By Choc and Day of Atonement you will see there is only one slot canyn that goes below this formation and of course Road to Mecca. You might find the 4th class slot approach more difficult that the Mecca route??It has a bit of a struggle up a V groove ,that is fun with a pack on your back . Everything out there both the approaches and the routes can involve a lot of adventure. We learn't the hard way it does takes time.....
For what it is worth, the first pitch of this route felt no easier than the crux pitch of 1,000 Feet of Fun. The protection is more involved and the climbing more sustained. Great route, the approach is a fun little adventure all on its own.
By EdwardWalker From: western, colorado Mar 11, 2008
Well we have entered that crazy time in colorado were the mud seems to be around every corner; so it sounds like we will be returning to the eastern swell this weeked, Hope the weather holds and to see you all there.Ned
Eastern Reef Slabs
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