Mountain Project: Climbing Devil's Lake

The Stretcher starts about 10 feet right of Birch Tree Crack. First 10 feet is easy then it throws you the goods right away. From a large ledge about 10 feet up move left through a couple of difficult moves with not so good feet. Don't worry, there is a thank god hold just a few moves later. If you can finesse your way straight up, that's in the 10B range, otherwise follow the ledges right, then up. Remember, the pump clock is ticking, you better get movin'. A classic route that is harder for the short person. I'm 5'9" and a few of those holds have me pretty stretched out.

Comments on The Stretcher

Add Comment

Show which comments —

By Steve Sangdahl
From: eldo sprngs,co
Aug 9, 2002

i beleive the first lead of this was by Rich Bechler and steve sangdahl circa 1980.

By Dave Bohn aka "Old Fart"
Sep 11, 2002

Actually I believe Scott Stewerd lead this way back when on a couple of tied of knifeblades "just for show"

By Tom Anderson-Brown
From: Madison, WI
Oct 1, 2002
rating: 5.9+

I'd call this a 5.9+. Compare this with Sometime Crack (5.10a) and it seems easy. Or maybe I just can't climb overhanging jam cracks.

By Anonymous Coward
Apr 23, 2003

I'll second the Scott Stewart story. You can also get a stopper behind the first Thank God hold but I'd hate to break it off.

Scott also did the first lead of The End with mostly a backpack full of beer and several sleeping bags covering the spike for gear.

By rich bechler
Mar 17, 2005

I never led the route but I did solo it in the early 80's

By Steve Sangdahl
From: eldo sprngs,co
Mar 23, 2005

rich,this is one of the many times i wish i could produce a picture from my twisted mind and examine it.I envision you doing this trailing a rope and dale was there too. weird

By Zachary
Sep 7, 2008
rating: 5.10-

I thought this route was going to be a gimme (i'm 6 ft tall), it wasn't... i had to work for it hard, but yeah stellar line.

By Trad Nanny
Mar 18, 2009

Yep, gear was crap, it was a glorified free solo. It was very secure for me at 6ft but I could see someone shorter having to use the bad holds and risk a fall on to gear that would surely pull.

By Andy Hansen
From: Longmont, Colorado
Nov 21, 2012
rating: 5.9

If bolting ever happens at DL this should be the first to get em! So good, would be a great lead.

By Trad Nanny
Nov 26, 2012

Less than a year in ColoRADo and you already want to bolt everything? Figures.

The Stretcher

5.9+

Description

Protection

Home - Destinations - iPhone/Android - Gyms - Partners - Forum - Photos - Deals - What's New
	ADVANCED