Aurora

Aurora ascends a direct line on the amazing north face of Crown Point (photo). The first pitch ends on Aurora Ledge, the only flat, substantial ledge on the face (topo). Beyond this point, ledges are rarely wider than a few inches until topping out. Aurora features outward tilting basalt blocks that resemble an inverted staircase with engaging moves antithetical to your run-of-the-mill crimp ladders. Crux sequences typically require pulling on holds in a variety of directions, not just down, and nuanced smearing and stemming. The finale on pitch four is an exhilarating traverse with an overhang looming above you and another overhang just beneath your feet (photo). The last pitch is steep but peppered with hero jugs higher up (photo) and ends on a delightful panoramic platform (photo). Aurora is best climbed between May and October as the underside of the roof on pitch five has a small seasonal groundwater seep (winter photo).

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.

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

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

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

70m rope, 13 draws, 2 alpine draws