High Man on the Shmotem Pole (5.11-)

Arete climbing at its finest, and it just keeps going and going. Follows the prominent arete on the right side of the Shmotem Pole from base to summit. Well protected, yet with enough space between the bolts to keep your attention. The first pitch ends on a ledge 15 feet to the right of the second belay on The Shmotem Pole. The second pitch is still a project and will probably go at about 5.12-.

UPDATE: This pitch is now considered an open project. However, there may still be a couple bolt hangers missing. If you want to try this route, please PM me (Jonathan Ruland) and I'll give you the hangers. They are painted to roughly match the rock color of LDE, like all the other hangers on this route.

NOTE: most of the rock is solid but don't get on this route thinking you can yard on anything and it will hold you.

Descent: The most straight-forward descent would be to trail a rope and do a 2-rope rappel straight down the arete to the base of the Shmotem Pole. Alternatively, if you have a 70-meter rope you can rappel down the south side of the Shmotem Pole to the pillar and scramble off.

Linkup: traverse through the chimney after pitch 1 and link this climb with the last pitch on The Shmotem Pole to top out on the summit of a really cool formation.

Location

The striking arete on the right (southwest) side of the Shmotem Pole. Starts 15 feet to the right of The Shmotem Pole standard route.

Protection

Comments on High Man on the Shmotem Pole

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Comments displayed oldest to newest — Skip Ahead to the Most Recent Dated Nov 12, 2012

By Mike Dudley
From: Vegas
Mar 21, 2010
rating: 5.11a

Really fun climb! Just wanted to second John's comment on the second pitch. The second pitch is not finished and is still a project. We have spend many a day on this route so please respect the second pitch and let us finish this project.

CAUTION!!!! This is a new route and we did as much cleaning as we could, however it is very possible that lots more will come off. Make sure your belayer has a helmet please!

With that said you can link the first pitch of the High Man with the second pitch of the original route. Enjoy the climb guys its ultra fun!

Big thanks to Geir and Marcy for the drill and all the help. You guys are the best!

By roman d
From: Pasadena, CA
Mar 21, 2010

Way to go!

By manuel rangel
Mar 22, 2010
rating: 5.11- PG13

Very nice line, I didn't break any holds and only threw off a couple small bits on a ledge. It was great fun, had me working both sides of the arete. I found lots to work with and give it 3 stars!

By Geir
From: Tucson, AZ
Mar 22, 2010
rating: 5.11-

Wow! This climb is AIRY and exhilarating! All it needs is some rain to wash off the dust and a few ascents to clean some loose stuff and it will be four stars in my book.

Congrats and thanks to Jon and Mike for their tremendous efforts in cleaning and bolting this stunning arete!! I can tell you that they spent many cold, windy days diligently working on this route and credit is certainly due.

Also, thanks to you guys for sharing the route before the second pitch has been completed so that others may enjoy it. You guys are terrific!

For everyone else, please respect the second pitch as a project until it has been completed. You can continue to the top via The Shmotem Pole or rap the route.

By Marcy
From: Tempe/Tuscon, AZ
Mar 23, 2010

Nice job, Jon and Mike :) I have many photos of the FA for you! Congrats!

By Geir
From: Tucson, AZ
Mar 23, 2010
rating: 5.11-

just an fyi after reading the descent options - the descent for The Shmotem Pole requires two ropes at this time. we'll probably add another anchor to change this, but right now make sure to bring a second rope to get down. :)

By Jon Ruland
From: Tucson, AZ
Mar 31, 2010

thanks geir, i changed the description to account for the 2 ropes necessary. wouldn't want to get anyone stuck on the shmotem pole. =)

By Jimbo
Apr 27, 2010

Long, sustained and really fun. Don Buland does it again, and to think we started him on the road to new routing. I'm so proud.

Rock seemed fine for LDE. I didn't pull off any holds either.

Can't wait for the top pitch.

By Andy Bennett
From: Tucson, AZ
Nov 3, 2010

I can't wait to get on this thing, and everything at the Devils. Thanks for all the hard work!

By David Arthur Sampson
Nov 18, 2010

Thanks for the route; good line. I had much fun on it!

By jason sartor
Nov 27, 2010

Nice route! At 150', pitch 1 goes and goes. Just like Manny said - found everything I needed to get my butt up this route on both sides of the arete. Damn good time!

By arjunmh
From: Phoenix, AZ
Dec 8, 2010
rating: 5.11-

Very fun indeed and I look forward to finishing up the top pitch when you'll are done with it. Love the exposure and your bolting is done really well. Thanks for a great line!

By Christian
From: Tucson, Az
Nov 12, 2012

I talked to Jon and he has updated the route description to make this an open project. Have at it! He's got the camoed hangers too for anybody who wants them.

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High Man on the Shmotem Pole

5.11-

Description

Location

Protection