Bon Homme Variation 

This climb was my first at the tower, and was hugely satisfying. The "blind" traverse around the arete into the crack was spectacular and not an easy give away...just find the key foothold, or make the route 5.10 - like my second. After 'round the well-protected corner crux, the route felt almost 5.8 with your choice of gear and some rests. It's a pretty long pitch which I recall having mostly wide finger- to hand-size gear, requiring a little conservation. On the wide section at the bottom, a #4.5 camalot would've been calming. I placed and slid up my #4 that ended up nearly tipped out. Didn't see too many other obvious options, and it stays wide and balancey for a while. I knew this was going to be a good weekend after this climb! I told the tourists at the bottom I was a real-live mountain climber now!

Another route that should be done more often... GREAT MOVES!!!

Surely one of the CLASSIC 5.8's on this Tower!!!

I highly endorse doing the 2nd pitch in the Right Hand Crack. It might be a bit harder than the Left Hand Alternative, but it is all solid rock, straight forward and very protectable.

The Left Alternative might be technically easier, but it is awkward, with some loose rock and the protection leaves something to be desired in numerous spots.

USER BEWARE on the left hand crack.

1st pitch - rack your gear on your left side.
Very fun climb. I took the left crack on the 2nd pitch - while much easier than the first pitch with better rests - I would say it is still above a 5.5 (have seen it rated as 5.7 in a couple places - I would say maybe 5.6/light 5.7?). Found good placements with mostly larger gear on this pitch.
(will have to try the right crack next time - will definitely climb this route again)

We were able to rappel from the top of Bon Homme Variation route with a single 70 meter rope in 3 rappels using the bomber bolted anchors. It was really nice not having to trail a separate 60 m rope.

Knot your ends.