Salty Dog Direct

An awesome line up the steepest face on the tower. Can be done in 2-5 pitches, with a bolted anchors on the summit, summit ridge, and approximately in the middle of the route(35 meters below the summit ridge). First Ascent was done as an aid climb, with 5 piton placements and 3 protection bolts drilled. The route could potentially go as a clean aid climb or maybe even as a free route. The rock is brittle but the protection found was of good quality. Alternative variations may also be found on future ascents. An enjoyable adventure type climb not far from Phoenix.

Salty Dog Direct climbs the steep east face of Riverside Tower. Look for a prominent saguaro cactus and crack system at the base of the wall. This marks the start of the route.

Full rack from micro cams to #4, knife blades and lost arrows were used on the FA. 3 bolts were added on Pitch 2 for protection.

ANCHORS:
-a 2 bolt anchor on summit
-a 1 bolt and rock chock anchor on the summit ridge (30ft below summit) used to rappel the route.
-a 2 bolt anchor 35 meters below the summit ridge anchor.
- a 2 bolt anchor at the base of the route for the belayer or for soloing.

Rappelling Notes-
(***Please tie knots in the ends of your ropes***) 70 Meter ropes required! We barely made it with stretch from the ridge anchor to the mid anchor! Also beware of the crack pinching your ropes and getting them stuck when rappelling the route.