Invertebrates
5.10+ PG13 sport · 110 ft · 13 bolts · ★★★☆
Upper Tier has 13 routes, from 5.10+ PG13 to 5.12b; 12 are harder.
First ascent: Josh Diggs, Thomas Gilmore Feb 2023
Description
Warning: Not as friendly bolted as the rest of the crag. This route is probably only 10c/d but you will want to be solid at the 5.11 grade. With that being said, this route may be one of the best of the crag. Identify the gray hanger just above the right side of the over hang. Start way right under Ammonite/Brachiopod and easily traverse left on jugs to clip the first bolt. Continue to traverse left on some hidden pockets to pull over the lip of the roof. Quest your way up, negotiate the roof above and finally, clip the anchor. Very rewarding lead. Note: We think this route is awesome as-is and challenged the leader both physically and mentally. We do not believe this route is dangerous. Please comment if you feel otherwise and I could be convinced to retro this route if community consensus thinks that is appropriate.
Location
Between Nudibranch and Ammonite
Protection
70m rope, 13 bolts
Hikes, approaches and descents
- Approach to Crustacean Crag (north start) — Class 2
- Approach to Crustacean Crag (south start) — Class 2
Access
Much of the range is the La Madre Mountain Wilderness, managed jointly by the BLM (Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area) and the Forest Service (Spring Mountains National Recreation Area). In the wilderness, no motorized vehicles or mechanized equipment, and no gluing, chipping or chiseling of the rock.
More routes on Upper Tier
- Adrift 5.10b
- Ammonite 5.11+
- Atlantis 5.10b
- Barnacle 5.12a
- Brachiopod 5.11a
- Crynoids 5.11a
- Naegleria Fowleri 5.11c
- Nautilus 5.11d
- Neptune's Kiss 5.12a
- Nudibranch 5.12b
- Spinal Tap 5.11+
- The Crusty Crab 5.10b