Mayan Smith-Gobat begins the crux section of Wild Thing (5.12d), Independence Pass, Colorado. Photo by Duane Raleigh.

Chris Schulte on his new Choke Hold (V9/10) in Gollum's Cave. Photo by Kolin Powick.

Smith-Gobat arrives at the crux of Home Bruin (5.13-), a line bolted by Pass local Michael Benge two years ago and recently redpointed by Ben Spannuth. Photo by Will Hummel.

Chris Schulte works his charm on the Cobra Commander (V10) in the Ice Caves. Photo by Keith Ladzinski

The U.K.'s Dave Mason gives and gets a stiff upper lip on a high V9 at the Biceps Wall. Photo by Keith Ladzinski

Ben Rueck boulders out The Vampire, 5.13 or V7, depending on the thickness of the ice floor. Keith Ladzinski

Ben Spannuth on Time Out of Corner (V6), yet another FA of his this year. Photo by Will Hummel.

Mayan Smith-Gobat works her way through the ever-steepening rock of Tarzan (5.12c), Lower Grotto Wall. Photo by Will Hummel.

Sasha DiGiulian spies yet another tasty route hidden among the tall pines. Keith Ladzinski

Ben Rueck hucks the big move on Wild Thing (5.12d), likely the best route of its grade at Independence Pass, Colorado. Photo by David Clifford

Mason Earle prepares for a round in the Ice Caves. Photo by Zach Mahone.

Ronnie Jenkins takes advantage of early summer conditions, when ice fills out the usually talus-strewn floor of the Ice Caves, to hop on Light Cycle (V8), a recent addition by Jon Glassberg. Photo by Veronica Beman.

Jessa Goebel gets the pod rest on the Pass classic, Cryogenics (5.10a). Photo by Veronica Beman.

Ben Rueck nearly comes to grips with the crux hold on the steepest route at the Pass, Gym Class (5.13b). Photo by David Clayton.

Sasha DiGiulian in over her head (for a change) at the Devil's Punchbowl. David Clifford