James Burns getting ready to rappel after cleaning...
Description
Monastic Groove is one of the best routes at the Outer Gates. It features refreshingly different holds than many of its neighboring 5.7/5.8s which tend to be very similar to each other.
This is the center most route in the Vestry, just downhill from the thin spire called the Steeple. Squeeze behind a detached boulder and start the route at its top. Climb up a fun water groove to a bulge with the biggest jugs that you will ever see. Pull through this, and continue for a few more bolts to a anchor set in an alcove about 70' up.
This route was put up by Pat and Azenda Thompson and Rick and Jana Thompson. The route just to the left of Monastic goes at about 10b and it was put up by Mark Brantely and Pat Thompson. It is called Southern Hospitality.
Just a quick note to clarify route information. Monastic Groove is the right hand route that starts off the ledge, goes to the bulge, and up the crack. The route to the left that starts off the same ledge and climbs up the face is called Southern Hospitality.
I think I counted eight bolts on the route -- four below the break/overhang, and four after. In any case, it has a nice mix of stemming and pebble-pinching.
This is the best route I've done at [The Monastary]! [The] climbing is just 5 fun. The bolts are well placed and the moves are fun!
By Leo Paik Administrator From: Westminster, Colorado Sep 3, 2006 rating: 5.7
FWIW, this climb felt closer to 5.7, especially in comparison to The Steeple, No Mystery Here, Crucifix, Abbot Arete. As a result, it's probably a better warm up than those...especially The Steeple...especially if it is cold. Fun.
Outer Gates
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