The route is the dihedral to the center of the diamond-shaped roof of the Whale's Tail, just left of C'est What? The route traverses out right under the roof to finish up on top, which is super steep and exciting. In term of LEADING routes, this is my most frequented route in Eldo. I've done it about a dozen times and I still enjoy it at the end of a day when not much time is left. Plus, it never has a queue! One must be SOLID at...[more]
This is a great rock for people who want to get into leading. The crack numbered (1) goes about 5.2 with pro placements at about every move. The crack numbered (3) goes about 5.4 with even more pro placements than the other crack. Both anchors are solid, and can be backed up if so desired. The face (2) is easily TR'd from the anchor for the first crack. It goes about 5.easy.
I think the crux of this entire face is getting to the belay ledge.
Oh. A 60m rope is really nice to have for raping off the anchors on the first crack. I've had bad luck getting ropes stuck on this one, so stand as far to climbers right as you can when pulling the ropes.
I've felt for many years that the ratings are backwards. That the left crack is 5.2 with some 5.4 moves while the curving corner to the right is almost class 4 with some 5.2 moves to exit to the anchor. Any other comments?
I kind of agree with the comment that the crack (#1 in the photo) seems harder than the corner (#3 in the photo). I think the crack just seems steeper, and is definitely longer. The corner has only the one move to get around the flake. So I guess I give 'em each a 5.3 to even it out. No matter how you slice it, they're both terrific routes, no matter how good you are.
The Whale's Tail
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