West Face [Der Zerkle]

This is a fun scrambling route in the Mallory Cave area to a spectacular summit. As the Mallory Cave Trail passes west of Der Zerkle, head east through an area of large boulders, and scramble up to a big ledge just northwest of the summit. This is the north end of the ledge that forms the route "Sunnyside Two" (and this route makes a fun finish to Sunnyside Two).

Here you should find a board on a tree where wildlife closures are posted. As far as I know, however, this route is never closed (only the routes on the East Face of Der Zerkle are). But check the sign at the start of the Mallory Cave Trail to make sure this route is open.

Head up a steep face to the notch in the summit ridge just north of the summit. One distinguishing feature of this face is a huge pine tree, probably 3' in diameter, and the easiest way to go up this section is to bear hug past the tree. You can also climb a wide crack left of this tree, but this is slightly harder.

From the notch, follow a ramp back to the southwest to the summit. This ramp is probably the crux of the route. You will get a good view of people scrambling up to Mallory Cave from this summit. To descend, reverse your route or rap 80 west to the huge ledge around the corner from the base of the route.

Standard Flatiron rack, long slings.