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No Respite

5.10, Trad, Grade II,  Avg: 2 from 1 vote
FA: Larry Dalke, 1960s
Colorado > Estes Park Valley > CO Hwy 7 & Trib… > Deville Rocks > Deville 3

Description

The first two pitches of this route get zero stars, but the final pitch gets three. That would average out to one star, but it's best to think of it as an alternative third pitch to Xenomorph (step left just below the second belay of that route), which would make it a three star route, so I averaged it out as two!

However, this is one "Dalke 5.9" that never did get upgraded! Unfortunately for me, when I climbed the route, 5.9 was my limit, and the crux had its way with me. It's slightly and continuously overhanging and the holds and jams are not very positive. Solid 5.10 or harder, just like all of the routes in Eldo that Dalke rated 5.9, but are now 5.10c.

P1 begins on the narrow North face of the Deville Three Pinnacle. Ascend moderate, uninteresting terrain for 100 or so feet to a belay ledge.

P2 consists of scary 5.8 up a very steep RF corner (the right of two), with sketchy pro and some friable rock. Belay on a large ledge with a cairn, right of the dark cleft that separates the pinnacle from the rest of the cliff.

P3 climbs the crack (w/fixed angle) above the ledge (3", then fingers and thin hands). Good protection (I tested much of it), strenuous and continuous climbing on excellent rock. Easier but loose ground above leads to the summit of the pinnacle.

Protection

Carry a standard rack to 3".

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] Definition of a Dalke 5.9: "No Respite" 5.10b/c. An overhanging, Eldo, jugcrack, not in Eldo... Jul 13, 2003
[Hide Comment] I now own the fixed angle, taking bids pre EBay. Feb 6, 2004