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El Grillo Asesino

5.11-, Sport, 800 ft (242 m), 8 pitches,  Avg: 3.7 from 3 votes
FA: unknown
International > N America > Mexico > Queretaro > Peña de Bernal > Care Este (E Face)
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Description

"The Killer Cricket" is the classic line on the east face. Described as 7 pitches in the guidebook, we found the 7th anchor a bit short of the top with one more bolt and some easy 5th class climbing above. The start is marked by a rubber chicken hanging in a tree at the base (note: the guidebook shows the route line incorrectly - it starts on the next apron to the right of where its drawn). The supposed 5.11 crux is very soft, short lived and could easily be aided through. Most of the climbing checks in around 5.8 and 5.9 on amazing incut jugs with a few short 5.10 cruxes. A good route for those looking to break into the grade. All pitches are ~30M, and the line can probably be rappelled with one rope from the top of P7, though the potential for rope snags on cactus and chickenheads seems high. The best option is to leave nothing at the base and descend the via ferrata after summitting.

P1) a 5.10-ish move off the ground leads to easier climbing.

P2) a 5.10-ish move off the anchor leads to an insecure runout on easier climbing, then to the corner and through the bushes above.

P3) a steep 5.10 section through the cool double roof to an awkward anchor stance.

P4) up the corner, then slightly right and straight up. Very hard to see the bolts above, but the climbing is positive and they'll show up when needed. 5.8

P5) 5.11a (or less) through the big roof, then glory jugs to the anchor. Some old aid bolts off to the left.

P6) Left, then back right around the cactus farm. The route becomes exceptionally covered in hawk & owl poop at this point. Cruiser, maybe 5.8.

P7) Cuts right through the tiered roof system, and some scrunchy climbing through the overhang above.

P8) one bolt above the anchor leads to some 4th class scrambling. No anchor on top - I sat in the bushes and hip-belayed. Walk over to climbers left to find the via ferrata to descend.

Protection

10+ draws/slings for bolts and bolted anchors.

Getting There

Approach:
Follow the large trail (tourist tour) until you are are in front of the highest part of the east face. You will encounter the climbers trail on your left near a small slab. If you reach a sharp right turn in the tourist trail then you have gone (about 50m) too far.

Once on the climbers trail (not marked) go somewhat straight up, following the creek (dry) and go on animal trails on the right if there is too much vegetation on the creek. Never go left of the creek.
Once you are 30m or so off the cliff you'll have to ramp for 5m under the vegetation after following the creek for about 30m straight up when the vegetation goes from cactus and dry grass to leafy weeds/trees.

The start of the route is about 10m on your right by a big boulder.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

NB following P1 at sunrise, trying to beat the oncoming heat
[Hide Photo] NB following P1 at sunrise, trying to beat the oncoming heat
route line for El Grillo Asesino, with approximate belay stations marked.
[Hide Photo] route line for El Grillo Asesino, with approximate belay stations marked.
picking and weaving through cactus and birdshit on P7
[Hide Photo] picking and weaving through cactus and birdshit on P7
NB topping out the crux pitch 5 on incredible jugs
[Hide Photo] NB topping out the crux pitch 5 on incredible jugs

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Nate Ball
Portland, OR
5.10-
[Hide Comment] If this route is not actually 5.11, it would be awesome if people could provide their own grade suggestions so the displayed grade doesn't remain 5.11. I've given it a 5.10- but I haven't climbed it... next time! Jul 1, 2022