Want to try a challenging climb with a rewarding view? You are standing at the base of Skyline Crag. This is a popular destination for traditional rock climbing.
Skyline Crag offers several routes for climbers of different skill levels. Are you ready to test your skills on these rocks? Let’s explore what makes this crag special.
The approach to Skyline Crag takes about 25 minutes. You begin at No.1 Fei Ngo Shan Road. Walk up the private driveway and find a small track leading up the hillside to the right. This path splits. Take the right branch to reach Skyline Crag. The left branch leads to Main Crag.
Alternatively, you can approach from the covered service reservoir above Fei Ngo Shan Road. This route is shorter. However, it lacks a defined path. It requires significant bushwhacking.
Once you arrive at Skyline Crag you will see a variety of routes challenging you.
One popular route is Penance. It is rated VS 5a. Climb the left branch of the V cracks on the wall’s left side. Move strenuously along the ledges. Use a large foothold on the face’s extreme left to stand up. Follow the crag’s left arete to the top.
Another route is Typhoon. This one is rated VS 5b. Climb the right branch of the V-shaped crack. Continue up the crack about 6 feet above the split. Finish straight above. Be warned that this is a very strenuous climb.
Eyrie is another option rated VS 5a. Climb to the overhang from the base of the large central gully. Move left to the outside wall of the gully. Climb the right wall of the crack. Move further right to finish.
For a true test piece, try the Red Route. This is rated E3 6a. It was originally an aid route. Start at the large gully in the crag’s center. Move right to pull up onto a small rounded spike. Use a pocket in the crack to the right. Climb the crack to the next ledge. You will find some fine jugs here. Move up and left to a thin groove. Follow this groove. The crux is here. Then, move right to the exit ledge. G. Jones first ascended it in 1991.
Versatile is rated MVS. Climb the broken crack on the buttress’s right side to a ledge. Above this, follow another crack and corner to the cliff’s top. An alternative start leads straight to the groove. It is rated about VS 5a. This follows a bottomless strenuous layback crack to reach the groove.
Hob Nob is rated VS 5a. Climb the left crack of the V-shaped cracks to reach the boulder’s top. Climb easily over this. Belay on the right. Traverse left from the belay to the slightly overhanging vertical crack. Follow this with difficulty to a ledge. Climb the block above via the central crack to reach the cliff’s top.
Prelude is the last short crack on the cliff’s right side. It is rated VDiff.
Each route at Skyline Crag offers a unique challenge. The views from the top are well worth the effort. Remember to climb safely and respect the natural environment. Enjoy your adventure at Skyline Crag.