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Peak Mountain 3

Wild Hickory Nuts

FA Thomas Kelley, John Tainio, 1989
CREATED 
UPDATED 

Description

Sustained and classic climbing. Begin off the mossy ledge at the base of the Nut n' Homo crack. Angle up and right toward a bolt, placing a couple pieces of pro before you get to it. Follow the shallow crack system that climbs more like a face to the next bolt. Fire to the top of the next crack section (possibly a strenuous nut or tricam placement along the way) and place some thin pro at the top of it before heading for the last bolt and easier climbing. Build a belay for another pitch or continue up some somewhat dirty 5.9 pinches to finish at a notch to a double bolt anchor. Watch for rope drag if you choose this recommended option.

A double rope rappel gets you back to the double bolts you pass before the mossy ledge. Don't get your ropes stuck on the second rappel!

Location

There are 3 normal ways to get to the mossy ledge:

Option 1: climb Instant Surreal (5.10+ R). This presents the best climbing of the 3 options, though it is the scariest.

Option 2: climb the crack/corner feature that is the start of Snap, Crackle and Pop (5.8). This is the natural line that leads directly into the roof traverse 2nd pitch and is well protected.

Option 3: climb the normal start to Nut n' Homo (5.8 R). This option seems to be a bit contrived (especially to be so dangerous) as it is at times only 10 feet or so from the natural line of Snap, Crackle and Pop.

All options take you to the same arching traverse beneath the overhang. Follow the cracks left until you can step up through a notch and continue left to the ledge. Pass up some old tat that marks the start of Moosehead and Battle Creek Bulge. Also continue past the double bolt anchors and scramble to the top of the good ledge.

Protection

All sizes, from micro cams to a single number 3 might find a use somewhere on the route or the approach pitches. 3 well spaced bolts in no way make this route a sport climb. Double ropes may help rope drag if you combine the pitches.