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The Zebra

5.12a/b, Sport, 150 ft (45 m),  Avg: 3.9 from 11 votes
FA: Hermann Gollner and Michael Benge, 1989
Colorado > Independence Pass > Grotto Walls Area > Second Grotto Wall

Description

150 feet of glory, The Zebra follows a prominent line up the center of the second Grotto over angular holds at first, followed by a beautiful headwall up high.

Begin on a slab with twin cracks to a high first bolt about 25 feet up. This section can be protected with a few cams if you feel inclined. After the first bolt, make a funky mantle, trending right to gain the base of the first headwall and the beginning of the route. Clip the second bolt from a good sidepull, then follow a line of perma-draws through angular jugs and fun body positions. At around 100 feet, the line of nicely spaced perma-draws make an abrupt stop where you encounter a spooky, runout traverse leading to the second headwall out right. Clip two more fixed draws at the base of the second headwall, then continue up using your own draws to the anchors. For full value, you can top out and make your best effort to look like rocky after climbing the Rocky Steps at the Philly Art museum.

Location

This can be recognized by the line of chain fixed draws.

Protection

10 or so draws, two for the start and rest for the upper headwall. Use a long runner on the bolt next to the large, triangular jug to prevent your rope getting caught. A 80 meter rope is required for lowering in one go. Otherwise, there are some mid-anchors out left about 60 feet down that you can rappel from (I have not done this).

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Hermann Gollner on Zebra (5.12a), Upper Grotto Wall
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Photo by Micheal Kennedy
[Hide Photo] Hermann Gollner on Zebra (5.12a), Upper Grotto Wall Photo by Micheal Kennedy

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Amanda Ramsay
Aspen, CO
 
[Hide Comment] This is one of the best routes of the grade in our area. Amazing. Also, directions say you need an 80 meter rope, but I made it down just fine with a 70. Jul 7, 2016
Kevin Dahlstrom
Boulder, CO
5.12b/c
[Hide Comment] This route is mega - super aesthetic, long, sustained, technical, powerful, and even a bit spicy on the upper headwall. It has to be one of the best of its grade in CO (or anywhere for that matter). While there are no individual moves harder than 12a, the route is sustained with multiple beta-intensive cruxes. If someone told me it was 12c, I wouldn't argue with them, and as noted, you can lower with a 70 (just barely). Aug 19, 2018
D F
Carbondale, CO
  5.12a/b
[Hide Comment] This thing is mega! Two 12a sections separated by a full rest. What a thrilling finish. Hanging draws on those ring bolts when you're pumped adds a little something to the mind game. Oct 5, 2020