Excellent Adventure

5.11b R trad · 3 pitches · 400 ft · ★★★★

Route 5 of 16 from left to right on Dark Shadows Wall, with Risky Business on its left and Dream Safari on its right. Dark Shadows Wall has 16 routes, from 5.8 to 5.12a R; 1 is harder, and 1 other is the same grade.

First ascent: Mike Tupper, Greg Mayer 10/1989

Description

Excellent Adventure is a fantastic, memorable rock climb. It's full of great moves, airy positions, fiddley gear, and exciting runouts. The only detractors from this being a neo-classic are that the second and third pitches feel ever so slightly contrived (although the climbing is still very good). The climb starts right off of the water pools at the base of the Dark Shadows wall. It's worth taking some time to identify the correct line: There are four routes that take off from this area, each with two bolts up the water-polished slab. The right-most one departs from the boulder above the waterfall and is the famous Dark Shadows. Next is Sandstone Sandwich, which is best approached by traversing in from the boulder. The next one is Excellent Adventure, starting near the base of the pool, usually with a rock-stack to help you get established. Finally, the left-most is Risky Business. All of these bolts can be hard to pick out without careful inspection.

Protection

Single set of cams to 0.75 Camalot, a #1 Camalot is helpful in a few places. Extra micro gear - small Aliens are extremely useful. Small & medium wires, RP's, HB offsets helpful. A bunch of draws & slings.

Hikes, approaches and descents

Access

Timed-entry reservation required to enter the Scenic Drive October to May.

Wet rock: Aztec sandstone is fragile when wet. Do not climb for at least 24 to 48 hours after rain or snowmelt.

More routes on Dark Shadows Wall

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