Entering the M7 crux on an trad ice route on the W...
Description
This wide curtain is the last climb as you drive through the canyon. Several lines exist, ranging in difficulty from WI 3+ to WI 5-, about 80 feet in length. Probably the most consistently forming route in the canyon.
Protection
Usually thick ice taking good screws. Several rap anchors at trees on top.
I've done some ice climbs in this area, right near the road there was a sign "ABSOLUTELY NO ROCK CLIMBING!" When I pointed this out to my partner, he said "Good thing we're ice climbing!". It is so close to the road that a curious family came up to watch us, including toddlers and two dogs. We told them not to get too close, and they retreated hastily after one of the dogs nearly got beaned by a thundering ice block.
If you were that close to the road, you were probably not on "The Final Curtain"; however, the curtain has formed every year since I can remember. The mixed line (on the right) is usually the more in-and-out. I also wanted to say that there is a line basically right down the middle that I would say is WI 3. It is excellent if you are just learning to lead.
West Side of the Canyon
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