The Golden Gecko
5.9 trad · 8 pitches · 1,500 ft · ★★★☆
Route 3 of 5 from left to right on Gecko Wall, with Cthulhu Rises on its left and Jolly Roger on its right. Gecko Wall has 5 routes, from 5.9 to 5.11b; 1 is harder, and 3 others are the same grade.
First ascent: Dan Briley, Mike Weissenstein- first known acsent 1998
Access
The 13-mile Scenic Drive requires a timed-entry reservation October to May and has seasonal gate hours. Calico Basin and Kraft Mountain sit outside the Scenic Drive and need no reservation.
Wet rock: Aztec sandstone loses much of its strength when wet. Do not climb for at least 24 to 48 hours after rain or snowmelt, or holds break off and routes are permanently damaged.
More routes on Gecko Wall
- Jolly Roger 5.9
- Cthulhu Rises 5.9
- The Bolt 5.9
- A Pirate's Life 5.11b