Crossing the Line

Crossing the Line is a steep manufactured route, but as far as routes of this kind go, it’s a good route, meaning that some time and thought was obviously put in to insure that it climbed well. The climbing is athletic, and consistently difficult the entire way, with a couple of slightly harder moves showing up around the “brown trout.” The brown trout is a rectangular river rock that was pasted to the wall by the first ascenionist.

Begin by stick clipping a very high first bolt and then funk your way up through a shallow scoop dihedral. After the first bolt move on to jugs and blocky features. Negotiate the crux at the Brown trout and then fly through 4 more bolts of juggy climbing. For the most enjoyable experience skip the bolt after the brown trout. The route climbs much smoother and more continuous this way. Clear the lip of the wall and then use a couple reasonably sized crimps to make your way to the anchor.

This route is a great pick for a summer day as it gets shade all day long. All the holds are large and the route can be used as a great endurance trainer.

First route you see when you walk up the trail to Area 51. Look for chain draws and the smooth scoop dihedral below the first bolt.

8 Chain draws plus anchor