Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

5. Three Bears Wall

New York > Powerlinez > k. Tower Wall area
Warning Access Issue: As of November 2021, there are new parking arrangements. Please follow this guidance. DetailsDrop down

Description

Shady area shielded by trees. Moderate slab with easy climbs. Fair amount of plant life growing on the rock.

Getting There

Hike in from Torne Valley Road, along the service road/trail. This wall is just to the left of the Tower Wall.

Routes from Left to Right

5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b PG13
 6
Bear Claw
Trad, TR
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R
 4
Mama Bear
Trad
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
 27
Baby Bear
Trad, TR
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a PG13
 30
Goldilocks
Trad, TR
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R
 5
Hot Porridge
Trad, TR
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
 56
Papa Bear
Trad, TR
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 22
Risky Bear
Trad, TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Bear Claw
 6
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b PG13 Trad, TR
Mama Bear
 4
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R Trad
Baby Bear
 27
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c Trad, TR
Goldilocks
 30
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a PG13 Trad, TR
Hot Porridge
 5
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R Trad, TR
Papa Bear
 56
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c Trad, TR
Risky Bear
 22
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad, TR

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Improved Papa Bear Topo,  much thanks to the great discussion and beta to Miles Freyberger.
[Hide Photo] Improved Papa Bear Topo, much thanks to the great discussion and beta to Miles Freyberger.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Dan Katz
New York, NY
[Hide Comment] Climbed in the Powerlinez for the first time this weekend; chose climbing at Three Bears Wall as a way to become familiar with the rock, the protection, the grading, etc.

Some notes:

- Lots of hollow rock, and flakes that should not have cams placed behind them. Many of the climbs here are easy (even for a first-time climber), but not necessarily well-protected. Many flared horizontals encountered - I bet offset-cams would've been great here.

- If you choose to lead, there's no need to bring up any static-line or webbing for a tree-anchor. There is a horizontal crack-system that extends throughout this section of the cliff, which eats gear of all sizes (purple to blue C4s were great). Just build a gear anchor, run your top-rope laps, and have your last climber clean the anchor and walk down (climber's left).

- Lots of dirty cracks here - Make sure that any pro you place is between two rock surfaces, and not between rock and a thick layer of dirt.

- Grades are probably about two grades easier than Gunks grades - A 5.4 here is probably roughly a Gunks a 5.2 .

Can't say how much this holds for any other walls in the area. Anyway, the climbs are easy, so just go and have fun - But I hope this information is helpful for any new leaders looking for a little extra beta. Jun 11, 2017