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The Return of the Fern

5.11a, Sport, 40 ft (12 m),  Avg: 2.8 from 14 votes
FA: Cadence Brown and Adam Brown
California > Northwest Calif… > Cold Springs > Split Rock > Spire

Description

Named as it was put up just before Christmas 2017. The route starts on solid and large holds and works easily up to the famous green fern. Pass over the fern on solid holds and find a great side and under-cling at the bulge. Once you pull the bulge, work your way up the headwall on small but super positive crimps. Near the top the difficulties ease as you find large holds leading you to the shared anchor with "Why Go Left".

Location

On the north face of the Spire just under the only green fern on the face. Route is between "Where the Green Fern Grows" and "Why Go Left".

Protection

5 bolts and a two bolt anchor with rap rings. Shared with "Why Go Left"

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Cadence Brown on the "Return of the Fern" route on The Spire, Split Rock
[Hide Photo] Cadence Brown on the "Return of the Fern" route on The Spire, Split Rock
Over the Fern and Through the Bulge route on The Spire, Split Rock
[Hide Photo] Over the Fern and Through the Bulge route on The Spire, Split Rock

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Evan Wisheropp
  5.11a
[Hide Comment] This one was gooooood! I can't think of many routes around here that let you do those crimp-high step type slab moves. This would be a great route to teach high stepping. Dec 18, 2017
Adam Brown
  5.11a
[Hide Comment] I agree. The crimps and the high step make this route super fun. And the rock quality seemed great from the start! I hope more people get on it! Dec 19, 2017