RPs, mid-size stoppers, small to medium cams and I remember a #2.5 Friend being somewhat crucial. I have done the route a couple of times the last being in 1984.
Bob, is this the hanging corner just above Sidewall, right before its crux or does Quiet Desperation have an independent start to the right of Sidewall? I guess what I'm trying to ask is do you have to climb the first 20 ft or so of Sidewall to gain Quiet?
Thanks Chris, I was up there again this morning scoping it out, and I can see a way to gain the corner just to the right of Sidewall. It looks really sketchy with poor rock though. I would most likely hang a rope from above to TR it before leading it. I would hate to have a hold rip off trying to onsight it. It also looks really dirty up there, no one has probably been on it in quite a while.
After looking thru the guide again I realized that the route I have been looking at is called "Wild Side" immediately right of the second pitch of Sidewall. I was confusing this with Quiet Desperation, since the topo for that area is really vague in the guide.
By Scott Bennett From: Superior, CO Mar 9, 2009 rating: 5.11c
A very good route, another fun pitch in the Sidewall "hangout". Despite its dirty and lichen-ous appearance, it actually climbs pretty cleanly and the rock is very good.
This route is actually quite safe, given some patience and creativity. There are a few good pieces in the crack/slot at the lip of the roof, but getting them in can be pretty strenuous. Our strategy was to lead on double ropes (we folded over our single rope) and place a good cam in the base of the "Human Factor" dihedral. This protected the multiple forays up to the lip of the roof to scout and place the crux gear. After maybe a half-dozen up and down climbs, I had 2 good pieces to protect the crux sequence, which involved some fun dynamic reaches on big holds and a bit of tricky footwork.
Once in the corner, the climbing is easier, but still pumpy. You'll have to decide for yourself whether to use the mini tree as a jug (heck yeah, this is trad climbing!). There are a few slots for bigger cams (green-yellow camalot) in the corner, so don't leave them on the ground.
Overall, this is a high quality and safe pitch for the Eldo 5.11 climber. Big props to Alec Sharp for all his rad FAs, as well as his killer route names!
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