Originally reported as _Right Sunny Niner (5.9)_ in the R&I 80 (8/97) mini-guide, this short romp appears as a 5.7 in the 2001 Bernard Gillett guide. Whichever, the quality of the route is no less diminished and you'll find wonderfully varied rock along its four bolt course.
Gravestone can be found on the West side of the Catacomb (right side when descending the Catacomb trail), about half way down the Sepulcher Formation. The start can be identified by a large flake standing in front of the Sepulcher which appears as a wide tombstone when viewed from above.
The start begins behind this flake, up easy shelves to the first bolt followed by 3 bolts of crystal pinching and Needles-like knob grabbing. The anchor is off to the left above the steep climbing, a two bolt affair shared with The Mausoleum. Rap 40' to the ground.
5.7 my ass. My partner and I thought it was 5.8/8+. It's as hard, if not harder than Headstones (5.8) - the route to the right, up the hill, and almost as hard as the Mausoleum, to the left. Great route, though.
I agree with Dave completely. This was not a 5.7. But don't let that discourage you. This is another great Monastery route. The moves are there, just look for your feet and pull off the small hands. This route and Mausoleum are great routes for the beginning leader at the Monastery. I start here every time I go to this place.
I'll third the notion. Harder than 5.7. I thought it was almost as hard as the route to it's left, "The Mausoleum," which is rated 5.9-. A fun route nonetheless. There is some variation in the moves too. Decent ledges down low, and pebble pinching up top. I found this a good route to practice movement and fluidity... Which is good, cause I need the practice.
I don't know... perhaps the moves are height-related. I'm 6'1" and my partner last weekend is 6'2", and neither of us thought it was any harder than 5.7.
I'm 5'-10", and I agree with the first three. I felt like difficulty-wise, there was little to no difference between this route and Mausoleum. A good warm-up, especially with the tinier pinches near the top.
By chris deulen From: Duluth, MN May 31, 2006 rating: 5.8
The Catacomb
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