King Thistle

An epic first pitch of difficult crack climbing and a fun, wandering second pitch lead to the classic finish of the Vertical Smile.

Just right of the start for the Triple Overhangs/Vertical Smile climb a wide flare on the right wall of a corner system up and over a small roof and into the corner. Enjoy beautiful patina climbing with gear in the arching corner system. As the crack goes around the arete onto steeper terrain things become increasingly more difficult until it's possible to get sideways in a stem. Climb over a roof and belay in the double cracks above. (5.12) Climb more patina up and right to a ledge out on the arete. From the ledge, a corner system continues up and right. Then head back left to reach a wide crack. Follow this feature until until it's possible to escape left. Trend up and left and belay from a small ledge common to the Vertical Smile. (5.9)

Doubles up to a #2 Camalot with a #3 as well. Save some small-medium gear for the belays.