Sentinel Area

Description 

This cliff is located in a highly forested area and offers respite from the sun on hot summer days. This is a smaller area but contains a high percentage of quality crack climbs. The lack of beginner climbs and the somewhat exposed approach make this a less than ideal spot to bring beginners.

Getting There 

Park at the Summit Rock Trail parking area. Follow the trail into the woods and eventually take the right fork. Ascend a set of wooden stairs. The top of sentinel crack is to the right of this trail. If you start descending another set of wooden stairs you have gone to far.

The descent is a third class scramble past the top of sentinel crack. Scramble away from the climb and then work back towards the climb. The trail can be a little slick with pine needles, so be careful. A large tree about half way down makes a conveinent anchor/rappel point if needed.

The Classics

Featured Route For Sentinel Area

Yosemite Crack 5.10a  WI : Interstate State Park : Sentinel Area

Another area classic, if only the climb were longer. The climb begins on a small ledge about half way up the cliff. Two option exist for reaching the ledge. You can either climb the face below (5.10a) or climb the bottom of Sentinel Crack and traverse left to reach the bottom of the climb. I'd recommend the face below unless you are leading. The crux of the climb is getting off the ground. The climb starts out as thin hands and slowly wide...[more]   Browse More Classics in WI