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Zig-zag Crack

5.11-, Trad, 70 ft (21 m),  Avg: 3 from 5 votes
FA: unknown
New Mexico > Las Cruces Area… > Organ Mountains > S Organs > Pena Blanca > Garden > Garden Spire
Warning Access Issue: Power drilling is prohibited in the Organ Mountains Wilderness. DetailsDrop down

Description

A blackened crack-corner system with three distinct steep sections which can be construed as "zig-zags". The bottom of the cliff is undercut, and the crux is simply pulling into the crack, with technical stemming. The second steep section is the minor crux, with more technical stemming to gain a bomber hand-jam. After the third section is a nice ledge. From here the climb breaks left onto the face and gains a thin crack in hardened patina, surrounded by chossier rock.

Location

On the south face of the Garden spire. A giant Sotol bush at the top of the Zig-zags helps mark the route.

Protection

2 bolts at the top allow for easy top-rope setting. For the traditionalist, a set of wires with emphasis on the smaller sizes, and a slim set of cams should be adequate. The initial crack offers solid protection, but the thin patina crack near the top is only as solid as the patina, which may be questionable. However, it is easier (5.7). Placing gear for the crux may be difficult. A good trick for shorter climbers is to sling two nuts together and gently "whip" the top nut into a bomber placement just out of reach. Otherwise the the crux requires a good spotter.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Eugene on his favorite climb
[Hide Photo] Eugene on his favorite climb
The Zig of Zag
[Hide Photo] The Zig of Zag
Stephen Peinado working on the cruxy start<br>
[Hide Photo] Stephen Peinado working on the cruxy start

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

cuclimbing
Las Cruces
 
[Hide Comment] I'm not sure if this is the same route as described. But instead of staying along the crack system, after the first crux stay to the left(on the face) and follow a very minor crack to thimble hold face climb. Lots of fun and very challenging. Make sure you're belayer is back as there are some loose rocks. I throw some pics up once they're developed. Nov 26, 2008