This route ascends an open book that leads to a nice face and arete on very good, dark brown rock.  The route is nicely featured, and if not for the lengthy, trivial dihedral start, would be 3 stars.  If you are in search of 5.10 fun, this route is a must do, with deep pockets, some nice arete moves, and a challenging bulge finish.

Red Zinger

Adolescent Fantasy

Stridex

Wasted Youth

This beautiful route would be an ultra-classic if it were located in a more populated area.  With small, deep, incut pockets, this light pink stone is remeniscent of some of the finer walls at Enchanted Tower.  A trivial un-bolted slab leads to a no-hands stance and the first bolt.  From here shoot up and to the left on a steep wall, clipping 2 more bolts before the route leans back to vertical.  Three more bolts on easing terrain lead to the lip. 

  The Samet guide states that one should finish up the arete, but its possible and no harder to climb without using the arete.

This fun line is the furthest West route, and the only one with a fixed anchor.  The climbing is slabby with beautifual dark brown rock and largish, incut pockets and a few nubbins. 

  The route faces West, so shade in early AM.

This route is unlike most routes at Cochiti, with few pockets, many crimps, and a few slopey jugs.  Unfortunately this overhanging wall is over almost as soon as it begins, and it hardly seems worth all the trouble to get to.

This area is visible to the NW from Cochiti Mesa.  It offers a small number of high quality routes with the shortest approach at Cochiti.  All routes are approached by rappelling, and only one route has an anchor, so its a good idea to bring an extra rope for rigging tree anchors. 

  All of these routes lose a star because of the hassle of rapping in and rigging temporary anchors.  Adolescent Fantasy and Stridex would be 4 stars if not for the inconvenience.

Description

Location

Protection

Routes in Vista Point Overlook