F R I C T I O N T O W E R
Friction Tower
HOME OF THE C R Y S T A L FREEWAY
The Crystal Freeway makes up the entire north face of the Friction Tower in Central Vedauwoo. Its one of the true hidden wonders of the area. Its a gigantic upturned slab that appears smooth from a distance, but it really isn't. Its literally peppered with feldspar crystals of all shapes and sizes. These inclusions are features on many routes, for better or worse. Some impart a high degree of friction to the cracks (somewhat reminiscent of JAWS), and others make steep bolted climbs possible. There are class routes for the aspiring leader, there are testpiece handcracks, there are demanding bolted lines, and while not on the Freeway proper, there's one extremely strenuous, overhanging 5.12 that will challenge or punish the best. This is usually a place of solitude where ravens and falcons frequently glide overhead, its sunny and warm most of the summer and its a great place to spend the day.
DESCENTS: There are 4 sets of fixed anchors as seen on the topo. A pair of 60's will get you to the ground from the top anchors. If you have one rope, double it and use both rap stations. There is also a downclimb - walkoff on the far left - east side of the face (not for beginners).
How do I get here ?
to the CRYSTAL FREEWAY TOPO