The
semi alpine shield of granite called the Snow Creek Wall is
home to one rather famous route, Outer
Space, and several less prestigious neighbors. Of these
other humble outings, barely eeking out an existence in the
shadows of their majestic companion, the wandering Orbit is
probably the most climbed.
Being the secondary, less exploited option is seems to have
retained an air of adventure, if not respect. Rumors of runout,
insecure passages among ill defined features have been circulating,
especially in pre-Google times, back when one or two rudimentary
guidebooks was all the entire state had to offer. Nowadays
you can get 17 different route descriptions with a couple
of mouse clicks. Perusing these still leaves one slightly
apprehensive regarding the nature of Orbit.
Good. Apprehension breeds awareness and adrenaline, which
in turn leads to a stronger experience, especially when the
route in fact is kinda spooky. As is the case with Orbit.
Well, enough tiptoeing around the real question: Is Orbit
harder than Outer Space? Yes it was for fivenineclimber. I
lead all the pitches on both climbs 8 months apart in basically
the same shape. Sure, I had to dip deep into the sparse reserves
of courage and strength to solve the crux move on Outer Space,
but those amazing headwall pitches was not hard for the grade,
nor that sustained. Orbit on the other hand met us with long
sections of cruxy face climbing with less than ideal (but
certainly adequate) pro. There was quite hard moves on at
least 4 pitches, ranging from a wide flare over steep, thin
cracks to face moves around exposed outside corners.
So, that leads to the next issue: Which one is better? Well,
Orbit might just be the winner. It left a stronger impression
and demanded more varied skills, such as routefinding and
creative pro placements. But if you got just one shot at the
Snow Creek Wall, do Outer Space for the sheer beauty of that
headwall crack.
Quick tips for Orbit, without saying too much:
The start is nebulous at best, and possibly debilitatingly
confusing. A good topo is important.
After completing the strange mantel high on the 4th pitch
you'll arrive at two manky bolts that looks like a bad belay.
It is. Waste no time here, but climb on thru yet another slight
crux to a comfy ledge and good gear.
Bring a rack favoring small camming units and stoppers in
copious amounts. Nothing bigger than a #3.5 Friend is needed.
Rope drag could be an issue with a single rope.
We spent about an hour longer on this route compared to Outer
Space.
See here for more general beta
about Snow Creek Wall and details for climbing Outer Space.
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