Aurora

Aurora is best climbed between May and October when seasonal groundwater seeps affecting pitches three and four typically dry up.

P1 30m 5.7*  Start below the conspicuous vertical crack system on the north face. Diagonal left across a dirt slope for about 10m to a fixed pin. Climb up and left past a fixed nut and a bolt then continue up (5.7) to a large belay ledge with 2 bolts (Aurora Ledge).

P2 18m 5.9**  Climb straight up (5.8).  The last few meters are like an inverted staircase over large basalt blocks (5.9). Either stop at a 2 bolt, hanging belay under a sheltered roof or keep climbing and link with the next pitch.

P3 33m 5.10***  Continue up the inverted staircase past 2 bolts (5.10) then up a steep rib past 2 more bolts (5.10-). Look for a couple generous side pull holds hidden on the right side of the rib. Veer left (5.10-) then up and right to easier climbing. Belay on a small ledge with 2 bolts next to a tree.

P4 32m 5.10+****  Crank a long reach above the first clip then enter another inverted staircase over small basalt blocks for about 20 meters (copious 5.10). Bust out left and traverse above the lip of an overhang (5.10-) then up to a 2 bolt, hanging belay under a sheltered roof.

P5 41m 5.10c***  Climb through the roof (5.10c) then up a steep, juggy face with the occasional 5.9 move to keep it interesting. The angle eases up near the top leading to a comfortable belay platform. Anchor to a fixed rope attached to a tree. Cell phones or rope pulls may be needed for belay signals.

North face.

Route equipped with stainless steel bolts, two fixed pins, and one fixed nut.

70m rope, 13 draws, 2 alpine draws