Graham had high praise for Paint it Black on his 8a.nu scorecard, saying “I love this boulder problem, and I think it’s an excellent addition to the circuit here in RMNP.” The problem snakes up a 65-degree overhanging prow on a hillside. Woods described the crux as “two high-tension foot moves to a hard right foot kick” with slopers and tiny crimps on near-horizontal terrain. Graham worked the problem for nine days, having the most trouble with the “foot kick.”

Earlier in the week, the ever-psyched Graham established a V14 called The Grey in Wild Basin, calling it “one of the best climbs I have done in the United States. Pure, aesthetic, tall, and in a majestic valley.” This compression climb contains crimps, toe hooks, and a very slopey finish. The same day, he finished a new problem called Dead Meadow (V13) that follows a crescent-shaped crimp feature followed by arete and face climbing until a dyno finish. He also established another V13 called Tetris in the same area a few days prior.

For some scale on how Graham spent a couple weeks in April, he’s made six Colorado first ascents V11 or harder. Check out his full list here.

Date of ascent: April 25-28, 2012

Source: 8a.nu

MORE NEWS