TBD
Route Name: TBD
Rock Formation: Devil’s Advocate
Number of bolts to be placed: Total of 16 bolts
Fourteen bolts plus two anchor bolts
Route Difficulty: 5.13-
Proposed Route:
Proposed route, Velvet Tongue (5.13-, 30 meters), is an entirely independent line on the south face of the Devil’s Advocate Flatiron, located about 20 ft to the right of the existing bolted line, Purple Serpent. The first 20 meters of the route is beautiful vertical 5.10+ climbing with excellent hueco pockets and some technical crimping sections. The final 10 meters tackles the overhanging headwall at sustained 5.13-. The rock quality is excellent, and the climbing is interesting and unique as it ascends a tufa-like feature through the steepest part of the overhang.
A description of existing routes on the same face of the rock formation, including the number of routes, route names, route grade, type, and approximate distance between routes (a photocopy or diagram of the existing route(s) is also required):
The South Face of the Devil’s Advocate has 2 existing sport routes installed, Pink Hyena AKA Tuck n’ Cover) and the Purple Serpent. The Velvet Tongue is a completely independent line ascending the section of rock to the right of Purple Serpent.
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.
The gap in the ridge near the Tiny Tower
Approach is the same as for the PB Boulders, which are part of Upper Blues bouldering area. From the junction of the South Shanahan Trail and the Mesa Trail, walk approximately 100 meters south on the Mesa Trail. From here, branch off to the west across the mesa on the PB Boulders climber’s trail. The trail enters a ravine to the south of the mesa, passing the Mamoonius boulder and continuing on to the PB Boulders. Head south from the PB Boulders up a densely wooded slope on a climber’s trail to a gap in the ridge of rock that connects to Tiny Tower to the west. From the gap walk south to reach the east side of the Devil’s Advocate.
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.):
The descent from the proposed route is to lower (or rappel) from the top to the ground. Reversing the approach to return to South Shanahan Trailhead.
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.):
The base of the south face of the Devil’s Advocate consists of trees, compact pine needles, and talus, with tiered platforms formed by fallen trees / branches. The area directly below the climb is generally sloped, with flat sections available for belaying. The base of the climb has ample flat spots for belaying, which can be enhanced and slightly expanded if desired / approved.
Has all reconnaissance work that can be reasonably done, short of placing any hardware, been done?
Yes, short of placing any hardware, all reconnaissance work has been completed. The applicants climbed the existing routes at the formation and spent several days top-roping the proposed climb as well as other lines on the south face. The applicants believe the proposed route to be similar in difficulty and quality to the Purple Serpent. Exact line is well established, and the best bolt locations have been identified. The route provides no placements for removable protection.
Has the route been top roped? Is there loose rock? Is it extremely overhanging?
The route has been climbed in its entirety on top rope. The applicants have top-roped the climbed and inspected the route. The rock is impeccable quality and there is very little, if any, loose rock.
Any additional notes:
This route was discussed with several other members of the climbing community, including individuals who have been involved in bolting routes on surrounding formations, as well as the Devil’s Advocate. The applicants believe that this route will be a great addition to the formation and is similar in quality and style to the other 2 existing routes.
Looks great. I vote yes.
I vote yes
Wooo! Yesssir!
I vote yes!
Looks great let’s bolt it
An obvious and independent line with lots of great features and rock. Yes!
Looks on par with the quality of Purple Serpent, definitely yes
Yes!!
Looks like another high quality line on the formation. Yes!
Looks great, I approve! I noticed 16 bolts on the summary but 12 in the photo. Is there going to be a mid anchor like on Purple to give a moderate outing?
Absolutely yes. Excited to try this one!