The Beach Rock Climbing

The Beach, specifically the wide ledge at the base of the Upper Cheeks, stretches from the Perverse Traverse rightward to the gully next to the Diamond. The white faces of the Upper Cheeks house some of the steepest climbs in the area.

Because of it's lofty position, rock here stays relatively cool in the summer heat when the lower walls are unbearable. Yet the area does not retain cold pockets of air on clear winter days. Sunlight strikes the walls in the morning, leaving the rock in the shade from the early afternoon.

With the adjacent areas of The Black Sea and the Lower Cheeks, this area has a concentration of climbing that rivals in quality and surpasses in scenic beauty any of the more traveled classics of the Lower Wall.

For instance, the 2nd pitch of the Up'er Zipper is as good as steep crack climbing gets in an astounding alpine position. Normandy overhangs 20' and stays completely dry even in a steady rain. As do the top rope-able routes directly below on the Lower Cheeks.