Just leaving the belay ledge, starting the second ...
Description
This route follows the left side of the rectangular formation extending out from the south summit wall. Ascend the dihedral, using a combination of crack, layback, and face climbing to reach the top of the formation, then follow the face east of the formation to the summit. The first pitch is quite short, and you can actually combine the first two pitches using a 60m rope. If you opt for this, when you come to the selection of slings, etc., that indicate the first belay on a small ledge, continue on until you reach the large sandy ledge. Set up a trad belay here (be sure to use a cordalette!) with some dispersed protection in the small seams and cracks. The second pitch is quite fun, and has some runout face climbing near the top. As you reach the top of the "thumb" formation, climb out onto the top of the actual formation to reach a two-bolt belay. From this belay, traverse across a good ledge (poor pro) to the flake system north of the "thumb" formation. Place your pro and then start ascending these flakes and cracks to the top of the south summit. This is a LONG pitch, and I almost ran out of rope with my 60m rope. This pitch is also predominantly large pro. From the top, head south down the slope towards the ramp that leads to Question Mark Wall for the descent. Rap from the obvious rap station at the pine trees. Overall, this route is worth doing if you're in the Cirque, and have already done the other classics, or if you want a good route on the "thumb" with a more moderate rating. Don't come all the way up here just for this route though. The best "Thumb" route is Center Thumb (albeit far more exposed, and a bit more difficult), and there are a number of far better climbs on the North Summit and Question Mark Wall.
South Summit Wall
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