North Face (The Wishbone) 

Hey Todd,

Does this route go clean? You say to bring three sets of cams but rated it A2+. I am just wondering if you meant to put C2+? (I love the route additions by the way!)

If you haven't done the routes that you are adding clean, then you might want to note that on the page along with the fact that nailing is no longer allowed in Arches. The last thing we want in terms of access is for someone to see an A (as opposed to C) rating on MP.com and head out there and start nailing right next to the trail.

I hope I am not coming across as a dick here. I really do love reading your new additions and have a ton of respect for your desert climbing resume. I am just sensitive to the access issues in Arches and as member of the M.A.C.A. I feel like I should speak up if something is unclear and could lead someone to further damage our access.

I definitely don't mean to say that routes that have not been done clean should not be added to MP.com... just that there should be a note on the page that explains to people that they will have to climb it clean if they want to stand on top these days.

PS. The new Navajolands additions are awesome. I can't wait to see some more pictures from that area!!! Hint... Hint.. :)

Brad;...thanks for your question reguarding the Aid ratings ...is it with Iron or clean? In this case, I just copied the rating out of Eric's book.. It even says bring a few pins;..minimum nailing. I can't remember if I used pins;...I think I DID use a few. Two factors involved here for me;.....1) I often used a pin here and there, because that's just the way most people climbed back in the 80's and early 90's on the sandstone towers.....it wasn't illigal, and we climbed the best we could in the safest manner we could....now a days, it's a bit different. 2) I can't remember sheit about alot of these climbs;...I look at notes I took, pictures, and hand drawn topos.....so I'm going on my feeble mind and what it can remember...it's a limited resource........but your questions are great, your work with the new policies in Arches commendable and greatly appreciated, and you aren't being a "Richard" about it at all. You spirit of adventure, motivation, and willingness to help out and share info with others is awesome;....just wait until you become a dad;.....your awesomeness will increase tenfold. I did this climb with my girlfriend at the time;....it went easy , was fun, and I'll get some pics up as soon as Blitzo comes over again to help me post them;...I have pictures of almost all the desert climbs I have done......just takes time to find them, scan them, and post them....I can find them, but need help with the rest......cheers.

I think this route will go clean. When I did the FA, which was actually Thanksgiving Day in 89, I only used two knifeblades at the very start. If Todd placed pins there also, it is probably wide enough now to get by with a couple crack-n-ups or peckers or maybe even RPs. Although a simul rap could have been set up, I placed two drilled pins on top for the anchor because I was about 4 hours late for turkey dinner at Frosty's grandparent's house in GJ, plus I only had a tied off sage bush for an anchor. Todd, thanks for the contributions. I've done some of your routes down on the rez and thoroughly enjoyed them. I remember an article you wrote (I think) in an early Rock&Ice that had us way psyched back in the day.

Keen;.....Thanks for the "thumbs up."....the Wishbone was cool, and good effort on the solo;....I solo aid climbed one time;...and part way through it, ended up (thankfully) getting "rescued" by Chris Miller who gave me a belay. Glad you liked our climbs on the Res , and the article in Climbing (Loose Rock), way back "in the day." By the way;..your name kicks ass; Keen Butterworth.....hard to top THAT!......climb on!

I did this route this past weekend, 4-12-08. It went clean fairly easily. The first crux being the first couple of moves off the ground where Keen said he placed a couple of knifeblades. Once into the chimney, it was easy with large gear. There are however very large teetering blocks leaning over the chimney.

I would say there is a second crux pulling over the roof past a bolt. Was this bolt placed on the FA Keen? The gear was simply small here but quality, keeping in mind the rock quality. The last few moves where you need to traverse right were a little spicy as some free climbing helped but may not be totally necessary, and the gear is not the best.

Overall, I believe it went at C2, maybe C2+. I don't feel very qualified to rate it, but I do not think this will be a sandbagged rating. The tower is fun, the approach is right and I'm excited it can still be done with the current nailing ban. If doing it in the tourist season, be ready to be in photo albums across America.

Hey Matt, Glad to hear it went clean. No I didn't place any bolts on that route, just two drilled pins on top for the anchor. I'm sorry to hear someone retro bolted it. I don't remember anything too bad above the start except for one spot where there was a blind #2 friend (I believe) placement where you went right a bit. Maybe that is where someone put a bolt in? Anyway, good job getting the first clean ascent. Squaw Pinnacle will probably go clean too. I actually don't remember placing any pins on that one but the guidebook says bring a small selection KBs, LAs, and baby angles. I can't remember if I told Bjornstadt that or not. If I did place any, it was only one or two, and they can probably be eliminated now. I do remember placing a bashie though, to help me get by a long reach, but Frosty said he didn't need it (he is taller) on the second ascent. Someone should give that one a go and see if it will go clean because it is one of the better spires in the Windows Area. I didn't drill anything on that one so be prepared for a simul rappel. I don't think Aunt Emma will go clean - too many knifeblade placements.

Keen, thanks for the reply and info on Squaw Pinnacle. I will definitely check that out next time I am in Arches. The bolt is where the route gets the steepest and steps right a couple of feet just over half way up. It was nice to clip, but not necessary as a bomber #2 camalot is below it and decent offsets above it. Take it easy.

-Matt