Devil’s Castle redux, with some of the coolest alpine climbing I’ve done.
Being super psyched about Devil’s Castle after doing Black Streak with Thomas, I suggested to Crisco that we go do a route on the face, namely Horns of Satan (III 5.10b/c, 8 pitches, 800′). I’ll just say that the route was fantastic. The third pitch was one of the best pitches I’ve climbed in a while. I think I liked the route as much as Black Streak, maybe a even a little more. The cruxes on Horns of Satan were a bit more sustained and a bit more difficult. Again, it was a beautiful day on a great route. I’ll probably head up there again (for a third time) before the week’s over… On to the pics (as always, click for larger versions):
A topo of the route with my notes on ratings and gear.
Crisco enjoying wildflowers on the approach.
Higher up on the approach.
Looking down from partway up the third pitch. Awesome exposure!
Crisco climbing up pitch 3.
Cool rock and cool crack on pitch 7.
The knife edge summit ridge of Devil’s Castle (10,920′).