A small natural rock arch graces the belay at the top of this route. You can easily walk off this route to the right (NNE - or on to set a toprope). A decent route too, an optional nut placement just off the deck leads to the first bolt. From here either climb the groove to the left or the fin to the right of the bolts. You'll find a very easy 15-20 foot runout from the last bolt to the anchor.
Protection
Optional small not prior to first bolt, five bolts, and two bolt anchor.
This route is easy to find if you simply make a right turn as soon as you arrive at the Monastery. Unfortunately we didn't make it so easy on ourselves and tried to approach from the bottom of the Outer gates. Got the grand tour of many gullies. the route itself is "ok". First bolt a little high, but easy rock. After that a bit of variety. For more fun try going straight up the fin rather than working left or right.
Was looking for something easyish without pebble pinching slab climbing, and this served quite nice. Interesting stemming near the last bolt into some loosey choss, but it's easy there. Worth doing just to check out the cool arch. Seemed a touch hard for 5.6, but maybe I tried to make it challenging.
Great climb in a great area. I didn't see any problems with loose rock at the top, and I thought the bolts up top set up a great belay stance. I give this route two stars, one for the climbing and one for the arch and belay set-up at the top.
The Lion's Den
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