The Crystal Freeway is one of the hidden wonders of Vedauwoo. Its a large, flat and upturned slab of granite that forms the north face of the Friction Tower. It appears smooth from a distance, but when you get there you realize it isn't. Its literally peppered with feldspar crystals of all sizes. The bolted routes take advantage of the crystals and will test your toes. However beware, the cracks (like the 5.8 hands testpiece 'Strawberry Jam') are armed with teeth - bring tape! This place is usually sunny, quiet and seemingly remote. These features impart a high degree of uniquness to the area and make it an adventurous place to climb in.
Getting There
Take the Box Canyon Trail past Old Easy (and MRC) to the next formation on your right - this is the Friction Tower (Crystal Freeway is the north face of this formation). Continue along the trail (which is now gravel) until you see a small bridge. You will now be just past Friction Tower. Ahead you will see the third formation on your right, Turtle Rock. You need to negotiate the upwardly tilted, smooth slabs of Turtle Rock eastward (up and right) to the saddle between it and Friction Tower. Continue along between these two formations about 100 yards and you will see the Crystal Freeway on your right. Go down towards the base sooner rather than later. Access to the routes is easiest along the base of the wall. I know it sounds difficult, but try it! It's worth it.
NOTE: NUMBER 3 on the topo. Tape up or your hands will look like a bowl of mashed berries. Other than that, its simple - jam up the beautiful handcrack. Think about 'swapping sides' at the squeezy crux. The upper half turns into an offwidth trough (think about long pants, gobi knees). If you don't feel comfortable running out the last 30' to the anchors, set a belay (on gear) at the obvious shelf in an alcove. Bring up your second, then do ...[more]
Crystal Freeway
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