The Direct
Description
This was the first route to attack the main wall at Tollhouse Rock. The first few bolts were put in ground up, but frayed nerves led to a change in strategy for the rest of the climb. A rope was placed down the route and when it was deemed necessary to place a bolt the leader attached himself to the rope. Even with the revised bolting ethics be prepared for a moderate distance between bolts.
The 5.8 way climbs up through some pesky bushes to gain a small right facing dihedral. About 1/2 way up this dihedral(place gear) traverse up and right 25 ' to a bolt. Continue straight up past three bolts to a double bolt belay on a ledge. The next pitch traverses left(the route Direct Current goes straight up) to a bolt then up past 4 more bolts to a double bolt belay.
The third pitch climbs up past 2-3 bolts to a large ledge with a double bolt anchor up at the right edge. 4th class and lower 5th class climbing leads to the top.
There is a two-bolt direct start(5.10aR) just left of the bushy start. Some have use a 'tree branch tie off" to supplement the pro between the two widely spaced bolts.
Location
This route starts about 25 feet right of Tollhouse traverse. Locate a small right facing book protected at the bottom by some pesky bushes. Two bolts denoting the direct start to the direct are a few feet to the left.
Protection
Mostly bolts, but gear to two inches should be carried.
Routes in Main Wall
- 14The Direct5.8Trad