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The Bowling Ball

California > Northwest Calif… > Marble Caves

Description

The Bowling Ball is a separate formation from the main crag at Marble Caves, although clearly visible along the ridgeline to the northwest. Premium white, yellow, orange, and blue streaked limestone, and host to a number of fine routes, including Marble Caves' most difficult offerings.

Getting There

Follow the primary directions for Marble Caves; at the pasture, rather than heading left for the main wall, continue driving straight for ~5 minutes. Look for a small boulder on your left with a cairn on top, adjacent to a small pullout. The climbers trail is slightly vague, but generally head downhill and a little left for about 5 minutes, and you should come around the left side of the crag.

Routes from Left to Right

5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 3
Acid Rain
Sport
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 6
Dragon's Breath
Sport
5.13b 8a 29 IX+ 30 E7 6c
 1
Dark Sky
Sport
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 9
Fearless Leader
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 1
Little Wing
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 2
Right Wing
Sport
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 5
The Nihilist
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Acid Rain
 3
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Dragon's Breath
 6
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport
Dark Sky
 1
5.13b 8a 29 IX+ 30 E7 6c Sport
Fearless Leader
 9
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport
Little Wing
 1
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Right Wing
 2
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
The Nihilist
 5
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Taylor about to enter the business on "Fearless Leader"
[Hide Photo] Taylor about to enter the business on "Fearless Leader"