"Left Picto is a compact, blocky crack climb on the East Animas wall near Durango. Perfect as a follow-up pitch to Yellow Pages, it offers focused trad climbing on textured rock with reliable protection placements."
Left Picto offers a tight, focused trad climbing experience carved into the rugged East Animas walls near Durango, Colorado. Often taken as a follow-up pitch to the classic Yellow Pages climb, Left Picto demands precise footwork and steady hands along its blocky, slightly overhanging crack.
Starting at the far left edge of the familiar belay ledge, the route challenges you with a finger-to-hand-sized crack that pushes upward with a dynamic flow. The exposed nature of this line means that every move counts; the rock feels alive beneath your fingertips, each hold inviting careful trust. The rock’s texture is coarse but steady, giving good purchase to fingers and feet alike, with occasional breaks that ask you to transition and find balance rather than brute force.
The approach to Left Picto is straightforward, either reached by scrambling up from the right or moving directly off the Yellow Pages belay. This flexibility allows climbers to tailor their approach depending on conditions and party size. The climb’s modest 40-foot length packs a punch in commitment without overextending, making it suitable for a solid half-hour of focused climbing.
The protection here calls for a standard East Animas rack—small cams fit the narrow crack perfectly, while some placements require a keen eye for subtle constrictions. Unlike more forgiving sport routes, here the climber must place gear carefully, anticipating moves to stay safely anchored.
Aside from climbing mechanics, the surrounding area offers a quiet sense of remoteness despite being near Durango. Pine-scented breezes fan across the wall, carrying the occasional call of local birds. The east-facing wall catches the morning light, making early starts ideal to avoid overheating and to enjoy the cliff’s cooling shade by midday.
In all, Left Picto combines practical mountaineering skills with a vivid taste of the East Animas climbing environment. It’s a compact adventure that balances technical demands with accessible terrain, perfect for those looking to extend their climb beyond Yellow Pages while staying within reach of friendly local crags.
Watch for the small ledge at the belay start, which can be crumbly in places. Placements require careful attention to prevent gear failure—check every cam for secure seating before committing to moves.
Approach easily from Yellow Pages belay ledge or scramble up from the right flank.
Start early to avoid the afternoon sun on the east-facing wall.
Wear shoes with good edging for the blocky overhang moves.
Carry extra cam sizes as some placements are tricky and gear can be sparse.
Standard East Animas rack recommended—small and medium cams for narrow crack placements. Be prepared for subtle gear spots requiring precise placement.
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