Overview
Stone Age is a good moderate 2-pitch route located near the center of the Pine Cone Dome. It is just to the left of another good climb called Armaj Das (5.5).
Stone Age (5.5) Pine Cone Dome Approach / Location
Pine Cone Dome is located at the far end of the Canyon, on the right side of the road. Roadside parking with a 2 minute approach. Stone Age is located just left of center on Pine Cone Dome. Look for a deep crack that leads to a prominent right-facing dihedral with a tree on the right side of a ledge. There's a large flake just below the tree ledge.
Route Description
Pitch 1: Start up the deep crack using good face holds. There's a chimney section that leads to the dihedral. Continue up the dihedral to a large ledge with a pine tree with a rappel anchor.
Pitch 2: Straight up from the ledge is a smooth seam that leads to the top. From the belay, angle right and climb over some slabby terrain. Immediately above the head wall, the climbing eases to low 5th class. Continue to a small tree and belay.
Photos from Along the Route:
Erik Belaying Under P1 |
Cleaning Pitch 1 |
Final Scramble on P2 |
Views from the Dome:
East Towards Turret Dome |
Across the South Platte |
Descent
Either walk of of the top of the dome to your right as you approach the anchor tree, or rap back to the ledge at the top of P1, and then rap one more time to the ground.
Essential Gear
Standard rack with cams to a #3 Camalot. A couple of long slings will come in handy as well. Anchor material for the top of pitch 1 (bolted), and pitch 2 (tree).
External Links
Mountainproject.com:
Stone Age (5.5)
Google Maps Location:
Pine Cone Dome