Immaculate Conception

"Ever wonder how the immaculate calcite formed on these Castle Valley face climbs? According to geologist Dr. Marek Matyjasik, calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) dissolved from a caprock strata above the Wingate sandstone and percolated into the Wingate, saturating it with calcite.  The calcite precipitated out of the Wingate into fissures (cracks), forming a thick, dense, and fairly smooth layer of calcite as the fissures expanded.  Eventually, the rock on the other side of the fissure fell off, leaving 3/4-1" thick calcite patina for us to climb on.  That calcite patina also dissolved and re-precipitated over time, forming the pinches, pockets, and melted candlewax features on this route and others."

- Michal Matyjasik

This route was bolted top down in 2023 with the help from Justen Sjong and Katie Kelble.  Immaculate Conception climbs up the southeast side of the Priest via an arete that is covered in calcite.  It's certainly some of the best face climbing I have ever been on.  It required practically no cleaning.  A gift from the heavens and perfectly sculpted for climbing.

It feels like a v7 or v8 boulder problem into 13a climbing.

Using an 80m rope is best. TIE A KNOT!  You can lower to the ground from the last bolt but lowering off from the anchors requires some down climbing.  You can climb it with a 70m rope but both you and the belayer will need to be on top of the ledge.

The only way this route can be any more offensive is if you leave your draws or a rope on it.  Please don't do that.  Additionally - it gets very windy up here.  Your rope and draws will get shredded on the sharp and abrasive calcite. 

Starts to the right of honeymoon chimney.  Belay from the ground.  Scramble up to the ledge and then start climbing.

16 bolts to a two bolt anchor. Getting to the first bolt is easy but you probably want to stick clip 1 and 2.