The Lieback 

I climbed this route with very limited beta--just what is available in the Needles Guidebook. I am RELIEVED to see that other folks have graded this route 5.8. This was a sustained and challenging lead--at least as hard as the classic lieback on White Punks.

I expected a walk in the park...
Instead, I got absolutely awesome 5.8 endurance liebacking. This route is like a Tobin's Dihedral for mortals.

Did Katy sandbag this route?

I have never climbed this but she always told me it was a 5.5. Probably just to sangbag me as well haha. Next time I am out there I will see how it is for myself.

The old Needles Guide Book rates this as a 5.5.
I think someone expecting an easy 5.5 may get more than they expected.
It is an excellent route though that will take as much gear as you can carry!

Agree with the 5.8 rating on this one. Or the biggest sandbag 5.5 in the country. Great route regardless.

Great movement on this route. Felt like 5.6 to me.

Very sweet. I thought the hard part was more comparable to anti jello crack's crux (and not all that much easier). The crack in the corner really pinched down in spots. And, if you do the "undercling" variation, you can just barely rap with a 70m (I definitely don't think you could from the straight up var. rap anchor). It is pretty sketchy. Best just bring two ropes (or an 80).

The best "5.5" pitch on the planet! Neat little crux where you transition from liebacking the crack to liebacking some small crimps on the right wall. The "Enduro Corner" of Kernville..

If you are jacked up strong and climbing ALL the time... probably in the Needles..., this might feel like 5.5 to you.

For most mortals, this is 5.8 cruxes with sustained, dare I say, 5.7 climbing. I would tilt an ear to those who say the sustained climbing is 5.6

5.5 is a sandbag.

This is a wonderfully beautiful climb in a beautiful area. You are likely to have it all to yourself, if you get the season right. (not summer!) Combine it with a weekend trip to the brewery and you've got a perfect coupling.

My first lead climb, second pitch. The traverse was a little scary for me but I had a blast. I'm glad other people rate it higher than 5.5. I don't really know what I consider it but it was definitely harder than The Swift on Lost Horse Wall in Josh (5.7).