Route Name: Fat Elvis

Application Status:

Application Cycle: 2016

Rock Formation: Der Freishutz

Number of lead bolts to be placed: 8

Number of anchor bolts to be placed: 2

Route Difficulty:5.9

Route Diagrams:

Not provided

Proposed Route:

The first half chases 4 bolts up a clean and easy face to a ledge. This is a good place for a rest/nap (if low angle 5.7 is your limit). There is a great optional gear placement here if the next bolt seems scary to clip. Pretty much any big nut, tri-cam, or hex will fit. Clip a bolt and pull over the roof on the right. Traverse up and left to the rounded and exposed arête, past 3 more bolts. Lower angle rock and jugs lead up and right to an anchor on a slab. The anchor is a little far from the "lip", so there is a bit of friction when lowering. It was placed there to keep the rope away from the tree on the ledge and also allow top roping of other variations to the right. It is also easy to reach this anchor from above in case you want to approach via an East Face Route instead of hiking around.

Name Meaning:

With the routes Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll right here, it should be no surprise that Fat Elvis was lurking around the corner. The upper half also reminded me of Velvet Elvis, with a rising traverse above an overhang, only easier. Train for this one with a strict regimen of peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches, and try not to die on the toilet until you climb this!

Existing Route Information

Not provided

Existing Route Diagrams

A description of the approach (include approximate distance from the designated trail system, existing “social” or undesignated trails leading to the climb and condition of the trail, and state whether there is a durable surface, such as rock.

From the saddle between The Hand and Der Freischutz, step down to the West and walk down the gully to the South. Pass around the base of a giant boulder into a small alcove to discover the great staging area.

If different from the approach, a description of the descent, (include approximate distance from the designated trail system, existing “social” or undesignated trails, a description of the trail condition and whether there is a durable surface, such as rock. Include photographs of the descent.):

Not provided

A description of the area at the base of the climb (include existing levels of soil compaction, existence of a durable surface such as rock, and existing soil erosion. Include photographs of the area at the base of the climb.):

Pass around the base of a giant boulder into a small alcove to discover the great staging area.

Has all reconnaissance work that can be reasonably done, short of placing any hardware, been done?

Base Area Photos

Has the route been top roped? Is there loose rock? Is it extremely overhanging?

Not provided

Any additional notes:

FA, Mark Roth.