Side Door

Route Name: Side Door
Rock Formation: Seal Rock
Number of Bolts to be Placed: 9 bolts, 2 bolt anchor
Proposed Grade: 5.12d


Route Description: 
The proposed route, Side Door, is an independent second pitch to Yellow Door on the North Face of Seal Rock.  It provides an alternative and slightly easier (12d) finish that is shorter and less dramatic than the second pitch of Yellow Door, but that packs a punch over 20 meters of continues climbing, and creates a great alternative finish to the first pitch of Yellow Door.

Side Door, will start at the belay at the top of pitch one of The Yellow Door.  It will climb up and left of the second pitch of The Yellow Door and will finish where the North face of Seal Rock joins the East face (30 feet down and left of the Sea of Joy anchor).


A description of existing routes on the same face of the rock formation, including the number of routes, route names, route grade, type [traditional or bolted], and approximate distance between routes (a photocopy or diagram of the existing route(s) is also required): 
The North Face of Seal Rock has 4 existing routes:

Yellow Door:  This route shares the first pitch of Yellow Door.  Yellow Door is a 2 pitch climb, with the first pitch rated 12c and the second pitch rated 13a.  The route is mostly bolted, but takes gear at the start of the first pitch and end of the second pitch.

Sea of Joy:  Sea of Joy starts about 100’ right of this route.  It is rated 13a and is mostly bolted, but takes some gear on the first pitch.

Archaeopteryx:  Archaeopteryx starts about 120’ right of this route and is a 11+ traditional route  The existing routes are a mix of sport of traditional climbing (bolt and natural protection).  This pitch will be a bolted and completely independent variation to the second pitch of Yellow Door.


A description of the approach (include approximate distance from the designated trail system, existing “social” or undesignated trails leading to the climb and condition of the trail, and state whether there is a durable surface, such as rock. Include photographs of the approach.): 
The approach is up the designated trail to the base of Seal Rock, and then up the climbers trail to the North of Seal Rock.  This is the same trail as is used to access the existing climbs on the North face of Seal Rock (The Yellow Door, Sea Bird, Sea of Joy and Archaeopteryx), and it serves as the descent route for popular routes on the East face of Seal Rock.


If different from the approach, a description of the descent, (include approximate distance from the designated trail system, existing “social” or undesignated trails, a description of the trail condition and whether there is a durable surface, such as rock. Include photographs of the descent.): 
Descent will be by rappelling the route (one 70M rope will be sufficient).


A description of the area at the base of the climb (include existing levels of soil compaction, existence of a durable surface such as rock, and existing soil erosion. Include photographs of the area at the base of the climb.): 
This climb starts from the top of the first pitch of Yellow Door.  The base of the first pitch of Yellow Door is rocky, with a mix of dirt and scree.


Has all reconnaissance work that can be reasonably done, short of placing any hardware, been done? 
Yes, the route was inspected thoroughly and top-roped.


Has the route been top roped? Is there loose rock?  Is it extremely overhanging? 
The route has been top-roped.  There is no loose rock on the route.

5 replies
  1. Chris Beh
    Chris Beh says:

    This looks like a great addition to the wall and seeing that is easier and does not traverse like the second pitch of Yellow Door wil be more accessible to other climbers. Approve please!

    Reply

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