"Hylonda offers a solid 60-foot trad climb on Red Rock Mountain’s Main Wall, blending straightforward moves with smart protection. It’s a no-frills route that climbs better than it looks, perfect for climbers seeking steady challenges in an unvarnished setting."
Hylonda stands out on the Main Wall’s Center Face at Red Rock Mountain as a raw, straightforward trad climb that offers surprising payoff despite its rugged appearance. The route's unpolished, almost gritty facade belies the smooth flow of moves you’ll encounter on the 60-foot ascent. Starting at the base, the rock feels solid though weathered, providing just enough texture to plant your feet and find handholds without needing to force your way up. Four well-placed bolts mark critical protection spots, easing any concerns about gear placements in this section, yet smaller cams—specifically green and yellow Aliens—are recommended to bolster your safety on less obvious handholds and edges.
As you ascend, the climb unfolds with inviting exposure on the face, testing your balance and smarts rather than brute strength. The initial moves require careful footwork, but the lack of choss surprises you with secure pockets and jams that encourage fluid movement. Once you reach the bolted anchor, a pivotal choice awaits: pull right onto a traverse to a ledge, leading you to a bolted belay station shared with the popular route Twelve Years After. This segment, protected by two additional bolts, adds a touch of adventurous variety, challenging climbers to shift their focus from upward progress to lateral control.
Set against the backdrop of Red Rock Mountain's rugged terrain and the expansive skies of New Brunswick, the route captures the feel of an unrefined mountain face that still offers accessible technical climbing. The approach is moderate, with terrain that tests your endurance as much as your route-reading skills. This climb invites you to engage with the rock's personality: rough but honest, weathered but dependable.
For climbers seeking a dependable single-pitch challenge with a blend of traditional placements and bolt protection, Hylonda provides classic New Brunswick trad climbing with a slight edge—nothing flashy, but pleasingly engaging. The combination of solid protection options and a manageable rating of 5.5 makes it a good choice for climbers looking to refine their crack climbing technique in a remote setting.
Given its location and condition, preparation is key. Bring a rack that covers smaller cams for the tricky placements and consider your top rope options for practice or confidence builds. Weather can shift quickly in this region, so timing your climb during the dry months and early daylight hours will help you avoid slick spots and colder conditions, enhancing your grip on the rock and safety on the face.
Equipped with practical insight and grounded enthusiasm, Hylonda is a route that delivers honest climbing with just enough challenge to keep your focus sharp and your adventure spirit engaged.
Watch for loose rock near the lower sections, especially where fewer bolts protect the climb. The descent rappel uses the same bolted anchor, so ensure your rope is securely threaded and double-check all gear before lowering off.
Approach with sturdy shoes suitable for mixed terrain, as the base can be uneven and loose.
Start early to avoid afternoon moisture that can make the rock slippery.
Use the bolted anchor to rig a rappel or to set a top-rope for practice.
Consider the traverse to the bolted belay leading to 'Twelve Years After' for additional climbing variety.
Four fixed bolts with a bolted anchor secure the more straightforward sections; bring smaller cams (green and yellow Aliens) for optimal protection on less obvious placements, especially near the base.
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