Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

Stone Groove

5.6, Trad,  Avg: 2.2 from 19 votes
FA: unknown
Colorado > S Platte > Elevenmile Canyon > Elevenmile Dome
Warning Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures January 1- July 31st, 2016-2021 DetailsDrop down

Description

On the Dome's west side is an obvious, low-angled, wide crack. Look for a shallow, right-facing corner. Climb the wide crack to the summit or, downclimb from an obvious ledge above the technical difficulties. This is the same ledge the other routes' walkoff. Downclimb slabs on the west side or go down a gully.

Protection

Standard rack, with a few wider pieces for the wide section.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The 1st pitch with a crux about midway. It has a steep walkoff to the left.
[Hide Photo] The 1st pitch with a crux about midway. It has a steep walkoff to the left.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Lance Bischoff
Great Falls, MT
[Hide Comment] The small pro on standard rack is not going to do much for you, this route is all crack with mostly moderate to large pro opportunities. You could even use some small Bros if you have them, or large cams. Reaching deeper into crack seems only option to place midsize pro, otherwise you'll want BIG stuff or runout. Sep 14, 2003
Larry Shaw
  5.6
[Hide Comment] This is a fun route that doesn't see much traffic. Jun 17, 2004
Joshua Balke
Colorado Springs
[Hide Comment] If this route is near what you lead comfortably, bring 4-5 pieces of at least 3in. Even a 70m rope will put you in a position to build a belay with large gear. Jun 12, 2007
climbnowworklater
Colorado Springs
 
[Hide Comment] Second the big gear comments. Although, I thought the route was super fun (if you like OWs) and not sure why it doesn't get more stars? Great line, solid rock...classic OW crack climbing at its best! Sep 23, 2015
Tim Stich
Colorado Springs, Colorado
 
[Hide Comment] This is the zig-zagging crack to the right of the wide, shrub-filled Kathy's crack. You start by climbing up some big buckets until where the crack begins. Pro is generally quite large in places. I would take at least a #3, #2, #1 and #0.75. Climb up and right, then the crack goes up straight up. Belay all the way where the angle tapers off and the crack heads sharp left. There is a little rock sitting next to the belay that fits snug against the rock. For pitch 2, you can go left below the traversing crack and get good pro at eye level. At some point, just head straight up unprotected all the way to where the wide Kathy's Crack system meets the roof. There is a crack penetrating the roof where you can step up and traverse off the rock face into the descent gully. Sep 25, 2016