Caterpillar

Routes : North America : United States : North Carolina : Western : Crowders Mountain : David's Castle Wall : Caterpillar

Average Rating : 3.81 out of 5
Route sequence (left to right): 1
Route Summary | Ascent Notes (27)

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First Ascent:

Type of Climb:

Rock

Safety Rating:

Pitches:

Protection:

Trad climb. Takes everything you've got from Lowe Balls to #3 Camalots. Can be toproped.

Length :

Consensus Ratings
Difficulty	5.7
Safety Rating	G
Exposure
Rock Quality
Scenery
Fun Factor

Description:

Large slightly overhanging chimney. Mildly intimidating in the upper portion as the chimney becomes shallower forcing you out towards the face. Start the climb facing right and worm your way up. Be prepared to change body orientation to face left.

Submitted by: bulldog on 2002-01-16
Views: 1644
Route ID: 9290

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27 Ascents Recorded

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Read all 27 ascent notes

Ratings
Difficulty	5.9
Safety Rating	G
Exposure
Rock Quality
Scenery
Fun Factor

Second ascent by: Bravehart on 2013-06-17 (View Climbing Log)

Second go at the Caterpillar new

The first time I tried to climb this route last month, I couldn't even get past the first crux/ roof. This time I was able to get up there and complete it soooo much better. It was a blast. I did not climb out of the chimney, but went pretty deep in while climbing. Started facing right as I wormed my way up and then I changed to the left. After a bit, I ended up facing the right, and climbing a good crack while in the chimney. Climbed all the way up and into the cave. Sadly I couldn't not climb any higher because of a thunder storm that was quickly approaching.

According to my belay partner who has climbed many 5.10 and higher routes, he would rate Caterpillar as a 5.9+ or a 5.10! I'm am so glad to have been able to climb and complete this route! It's a blast!

Added: 2013-06-18

Ratings
Difficulty	5.7
Safety Rating	G
Exposure
Rock Quality
Scenery
Fun Factor

Second ascent by: swoopee on 2013-05-24 (View Climbing Log)

Fun

Fun stuff

Added: 2013-05-24

Ratings
Difficulty	5.7
Safety Rating	G

Onsight ascent by: mjwestla on 2011-01-29 (View Climbing Log)

Chimneyriffic

Did about the first 2/3rds of this and ducked out left to finish at the bolts for Electra. Worked out nicely, although the last two feet to the bolts was a bit interesting.

Good pro available in most places but the rock is quite polished too. Took me a while to get situated under the first little roof and find holds that I trusted - things might have been different if I were further out towards the edge, not sure. Interesting process twisting and turning around to find gear and holds - nice solution pocket about halfway up for a #3 C4 :)

Will have to come back and top the whole thing out via the full on chimney/cave at the end next time!

Added: 2011-01-29