Barber Wall

Description 

The Barber Wall is the upper left wall of Cathedral Ledge, so named for Henry Barber and his extensive collection of first free accents on this section of the cliff. Barber was involved in the freeing of every crack from Nutcracker rightwards to Lichen Delight all of these are classics and none are light in the grade.

This wall is one the best places to practice crack climbing if you plan to get on the longer more committing crack climbs on the cliff. The skills you learn on these 60 to nearly 200 foot climbs (the cliff gets taller as you head to the right toward retaliation) can even be well applied to walls like Cannon Cliff or even the big walls of Yosemite. Locals often meet here for after work sessions in the evening so it is possible to meet partners here for some craging.

Though this area is known for its cracks there are a number of desperate “sport” routes and mixed (bolt/trad) climbs. In the winter ice covers much of the cliff making for grate steep ice climbing.

Getting There 

To get there, climb any route on the lower left wall. Or from the top hike south along the edge of the cliff meeting a trail that wraps around to the midway ledge splitting the Lower Left and Barber Wall. You will see nutcracker first as you hike along the ledge and the routes just keep on coming till you reach the upper half of the Prow area at Upper Refuse and the Book of Solemnity. You can also find the top of Double Vee and rap in.

Featured Route For Barber Wall

Upper Refuse 5.5  New Hampshire : Cathedral Ledge : Barber Wall

An awesome, moderate route with great climbing, great protection, and great exposure for the grade.... A true Cathedral classic.... One of very few, real moderates on the cliff, this is a perfect first trad climb.... It can be accessed by hiking around from the top along the big ledge.... If you are a beginner, you might want to rope up for the last part of the scramble due to the danger of a BIG fall if you slip.... Most people climb Upper Refus...[more]