description Century Crack Overview
Century Crack is a challenging trad climbing route located in Castle Valley, Utah. This iconic offwidth crack climb demands significant technical skill and physical strength due to its sustained nature and narrow dimensions. First ascended in 2011 by Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall, it’s favored by experienced climbers seeking demanding multi-pitch adventures. The route's difficulty and historical significance make it a notable benchmark for Utah’s trad climbing scene.
insights Why this score
Century Crack ranks #56 of 368 in the Climbing Route ranking, behind The Rostrum North Face, ahead of The Casual Route.
help Century Crack FAQ
What grade is Century Crack?
Century Crack is rated 5.14b (8c), making it one of the hardest offwidth trad climbs in the world. The grade reflects both the physical difficulty of the offwidth technique and the sustained nature of the roughly 120-foot route.
Where exactly is Century Crack located?
The route is located in Castle Valley, Utah, on the Chuckwalla Wall. This area is known for its desert towers and challenging traditional climbs, including other famous routes like Castleton Tower's Kor-Ingalls.
What gear is needed to climb Century Crack?
The climb requires specialized offwidth protection including large cams in sizes 5 and 6, and possibly Big Bro devices. The crack's consistent wide dimensions mean standard hand and fist-sized cams are insufficient for protecting much of the route.
Who completed the first ascent of Century Crack?
Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall made the first free ascent in 2011 after extensive training in the UK. They famously built a replica of the crack in a Sheffield cellar to train specifically for the offwidth technique the route demands.
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