Slash

A substantial amount of discussion on the page for Jon's Arete is actually about this climb, so I figured I'd add it. I welcome any corrections from the area experts.

Start with your hands low in a slopey seam (with your right hand where your left hand might start for the neighboring "Jon's Arete"). Move up and left to a climbing gym style crimp that is unfortunately located behind a tree. Continue up the slanting crimp rail and top out as per Jon's Arete.

The crux is probably avoiding the tree. If you or your clothing touch it, even a little, your send is worth nothing. Your friends are spotting you, but they are also waiting to yell "dab!" at the slightest contact.

This climb feels a grade or two easier than Jon's Arete and would be the more natural line if it weren't for the tree.

On the front of the Swirley boulder as you approach. Starts between Jon's Arete and a tree.

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