Does anybody climb P1 & P2 then rap down? I will jump on most any 5.6 on gear, some 5.7's and haven't led 5.8 on gear yet (lead up to 5.10 on bolts).

I am worried about the P3 traverse and start of P4, thoughts?

I'd like to try P1 & P2 this weekend but I need to verify rapping down is an option.

Thanks.

You can rap off of any pitch of the Pulpit as long as you have 2 ropes. The 3rd pitch isn't as hard as the first 2. You also don't have to do the traverse on p3, you can continue up and left and join No Alternative. The p3 traverse is very often running with water and this makes it much more difficult. The p4 run-out off of the anchor is more like 5.6. Note: the Select Guide says there is a fixed pin on p2...it broke long ago and is not there.

This is definitely one of the better protected routes of its grade at Stone. Not to say it is a sport route, but it is better than most for Stone.

The Pulpit isn't necessarily a "gear protected" route. Most of the pro you will encounter will be bolts supplemented by gear as you can find it. I thought the first pitch was the toughest but all the hard parts are protected by bolts- although they are somewhat sparsely spaced (when compared to an average sport route).

For rappelling, csproul hit it exactly. Get on it, and take it to the top. It's really just like most routes at Stone, after the first couple pitches, the angle starts to ease up making the moves easier. It's one of the better moderates at Stone IMO.