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Porter's Arete

5.12d, Sport,  Avg: 4 from 9 votes
FA: Porter Jarrard
Alabama > Little River Ca… > Jungle Gym/Grey Wall

Description

The guidebook says "Porter Jarrard had a way of picking the plums, and this one stays true to form."

Easy climbing leads to a hard move on thin holds to gain the jug over the first short roof. Gain the face, cop a rest, and then fire a big move to the jugs atop the next roof. Another few moves on smaller holds gets you a final rest before the heartbreaker crux on tiny crimps.

Edit: Almost two years later and this remains one of the best routes I've climbed in the Canyon. Feels hard at 12d. This should be a high priority on your list if you haven't climbed it. - AJS

Location

Head past the small cave after the 11's on Grey wall over some scree until the wall ends and you'd be forced to make a hard left. This is the last line on the wall before it turns a hard left around a corner. It's underneath the overlook, so watch out for people throwing trash and rocks down.

Protection

8 bolts + 2 anchors with leavers. A long draw on bolts 3 and 6 makes clipping them easier. There is a carabiner on bolt 4 to help with cleaning and avoid taking the swing into the trees.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Mr. Pike at the last bolt before the crimpy crux that guards the anchors.
[Hide Photo] Mr. Pike at the last bolt before the crimpy crux that guards the anchors.
Pulling through the upper crux
[Hide Photo] Pulling through the upper crux

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Alexander Stathis
Chattanooga, TN
  5.12d
[Hide Comment] I've learned that it's possible to skip the final crimp crux by moving out right around the arete. In my opinion, that would be off route, but in any case, it will significantly lower the grade. May 3, 2020
Nathan Devan
Sandy, SLC UT
[Hide Comment] footage of not skipping the final crux but also totally blocked view by leaves so I'm probably aiding

youtu.be/-jNwiNmI7eE Oct 17, 2022