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Elevation: 563 ft
GPS: 39.3247, -77.7258
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 34,834 total · 228/month
Shared By: John Kelbel on Sep 9, 2011
Admins: Frances Fierst, C S
Warning Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures; Road Closures. See nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/… DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

The Sign Wall is one of the more popular areas of Maryland Heights and the home of the classic route “Hard Up”. The unique and fading sign in the center of the wall was painted around 1903-06 and reads “Mennen’s Borate Talcum Toilet Powder”.

Rock Quality

Most of the rock in this area is excellent however areas to be cautious in are to the right side of the painted sign. Also at the top right side of the sign above the cave / alcove the rock here has razor sharp edges and is broken and loose.

Rappel Location

The

Yellow Arrows are the main Rappel A single 60m rope is needed, be careful not to rappel off the ends of the rope. descends along the left side of the sign as viewed from the town and is setup for 2 rappels with a single 60m rope.

From the top of the cliff there are two main overlook areas the upper one has a park info sign the other is a little lower and on the left when viewing the town. From this overlook locate a 6 foot wide chimney a little lower and around on the left side of the overlook. Scramble down the base of the chimney all the way to the exposed main face and a tree. The rappel bolts are still out of sight until you step down to the base of the tree and look back into the chimney under an overhang on the right side of the chimney wall.

A 60 meter rope is essential for reaching the second rappel. On the first rappel watch where you lay the rope when exiting the chimney there is a spot with a V notch in the crack system that sometimes will snag a rope. There is a large smooth protruding horn near the 2nd tree it is about waist high and makes for an excellent place to lay the rappel line keeping it out of the crack system. Also watch that you don’t rappel off the end of your rope as this long rappel will take you to the end of your rope. Then next rappel will take you to the base of the crag and “Hard Up Direct”

Getting There Suggest change

The direction on the main page “Maryland Heights” will get you to the base of the cliff on Sandy hook road. Take the trail on the right side of the white stone building and follow it straight up underneath the sign.

13 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Sign Wall

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
 33
'D' Route
Trad 2 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R
 5
'D' Slab Direct (DoubleD)
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 46
Hard Up Direct
Trad 3 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 9
Hard Up
Trad 4 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 4
Black Powder
Trad 3 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 4
Hard-On
Trad 4 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 4
Space Walk
Trad 3 pitches
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R
 4
Sign Route
Trad 3 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
'D' Route
 33
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a Trad 2 pitches
'D' Slab Direct (DoubleD)
 5
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R Trad
Hard Up Direct
 46
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches
Hard Up
 9
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 4 pitches
Black Powder
 4
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches
Hard-On
 4
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 4 pitches
Space Walk
 4
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad 3 pitches
Sign Route
 4
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R Trad 3 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Sign Wall »

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