Belvedere

An obvious plum that finally got bagged, Belvedere goes straight up the middle of Crown Point passing through a colonnade, two prominent roofs, and a steep black watercourse (topo).  The position on the north face has a unique feel to it unlike other climbing areas in the Gorge: continuously steep, devoid of decent ledges, and intimidating (drone videos).  The optimal season to climb the route is between late June through mid-October as pitches 1, 2, and 5 can otherwise be wet from groundwater seeps (winter photo).

P1 16m 5.8*  Start below the First Roof.  Climb a short steep section then continue up low-angle terrain to the belay ledge at the base of the colonnade (bolt and fixed pin).

P2 33m 5.9**  Climb 5.9 face moves up the column then follow the line of bolts to the belay under the right side of the First Roof (2 bolts and a tiny ledge).

P3 33m 5.11b***  The crux pitch.  Crank a long reach above the first clip then veer left on pumpy jugs over the roof.  Continue past a well protected 5.11 section then up to the Second Roof.   The roof is easier than it looks if you get the sequence right (5.10a).  Belay just above the roof on a small ledge with 2 bolts.

P4 16m 5.10c**  Climb past a fixed pin and bolt then traverse left to an airy 5.10c section.  Continue up to the belay (2 bolts and a small ledge).

P5 38m 5.10b****  The money pitch.  Climb up (5.10a) then veer right (5.10b) to the Watercourse.  The final moves in the Watercourse are slightly overhanging (5.10a).   Carefully climb the easy 5th class gully to the belay (3 bolts and a sloping ledge).  After leading the pitch, verbal communication may be challenging. Use cell phones or other means for belay signals.

Walk up to the trail beneath the viaduct then go either left or right, both ways lead to the Vista House parking lot.

Several options are available to reach the base of the route.  Rapping down Fairview Buttress is recommended.

Route equipped with 10mm x 70mm stainless steel bolts, four fixed pins, and fixed carabiners at the P1, P2, and P3 anchors.

70m rope, 15 draws, 4 alpine draws