Hurley Direct

This is a more difficult but straightforward alternative to the

Hurley Traverse

. Instead of heading into the Cave, simply climb straight up the wall you'd normally traverse.

I've only done it once, as one of my first 5.9 leads, and I remember my partner wincing as I almost fell before getting in my first piece of pro. I think all I could finagle for my first couple pieces were some sketchy stoppers. It's a very short pitch, but even a short fall here onto that ledge would make for a heinously painful descent.