When you arrive at the top of the trail you will be by a large boulder that splits the crag. The first route to the right of this boulder is 'The Needle Lies'. This route is much harder than 10a unless I missed something severe. The crux involves a reachy deadpoint/throw to a large sidepull. This is going to be quite hard for shorter people (under 5'6") as you will have to use desperate crimps (5.10 Haha) Not a really great warm up as the climbing is in your face from the start. Hope you have fun with this one. Clean rock and holds just a little harder than it looks.
By Sirius From: Oakland, CA Dec 8, 2003 rating: 5.10a
The move to the sidepull didn't feel so desperate. I thought this was a good warmup because - what else are you going to start with on this wall? The bolts are well placed and make it a safe route.
After topping out you can traverse right along a loose and slightly sloping but wide ledge to the small tree. Good toproping on stiffer stuff.
By sam flournoy From: estes park, co Apr 4, 2005 rating: 5.10a
For posterity . . .agree on the 10 rating, especially for shorter folks. This was a pretty good first climb at Shelf, what with the incredible, sculpted (read: sharp!) limestone features. Get good but polished feet and reach way, way out for a big hold. Fun but pretty easy after that.
Cactus Rose Cliff
RSS Feed
