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Most aesthetically pleasing moderate routes?

Original Post
fromtheestuary · · North Carolina · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 60

What are everyone's suggestions for moderates (5.easy-5.8) that follow an especially beautiful line, or crack system, or featured rock. My vote would be for The Great Arch in NC. What are others? Thanks! 

Bob Johnson · · Philadelphia, PA · Joined May 2014 · Points: 192
Justin Laursen · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 430
Eric Chabot · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 45

Son of easy o - gunks

Gamesmanship - poko moonshine

Outer space - 11'worth 5.9 but only a few moves

Ted Pinson · · Chicago, IL · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 252
Michael Palmer · · Scottsdale · Joined Nov 2015 · Points: 56
Alex Kowalcyk · · Idaho · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 65
cassondra l · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2008 · Points: 335

Dak Shadows 5.8 Red Rock...Beautifully aestheic in an idyllic setting.

Mike Kubes · · Fort Collins · Joined May 2014 · Points: 191

Featured on the back cover of Freedom of the Hills 6th Edition, Phantom Crack, Palisade Head MN (5.9)

https://www.mountainproject.com/photo/105826904

tallguy · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 0

Its not exactly close, but Piz Badile makes most everything listed above look like the kiddie pool in terms of aesthetics.. 

Michael T · · WA · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 602

W-ridge of Pigeon spire. 

Sprinkle McSparklecams · · Bag End, the shire · Joined Aug 2017 · Points: 20

Buissonier in Real Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree--Such a clean, arcing crack, balance-y, old-school 5.7.

https://www.mountainproject.com/route/105721645/buissonier
edit: better photos here: https://www.summitpost.org/bouissonier/164670

Nick Thomas · · Duluth, MN · Joined Nov 2016 · Points: 35

Here's a few that I've been lucky enough to get on in my first couple years of climbing.

Gossamer in Rushmore - 5.7


Irene's Arete in the Tetons - 5.8

N Face of the Maiden in the Flatirons - 5.6R (the rap is the most aesthetic part)

Edge of Time is 5.9 but just for a move or two
S Face of the Petit Grepon in RMNP - 5.8
E Face of Royal Arch in the Flatirons - 5.easy
Carter Smith · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2017 · Points: 10

Bang for your buck: Edge of a Dream, Ship Rock, NC. Very exposed, fun, and neat for an easy, one pitch trad line.
Also, the Daddy in the Linville Gorge is amazing, big, and flowy.
Lastly, pretty much anything bug in Potrero Chico (TWZ, Yankee Clipper, Space Boyz, etc.) are a tad harder but fantastic.

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

Banana Peel on the Apron of the Chief, Squamish BC

David K · · The Road, Sometimes Chattan… · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 423

I would be surprised if anyone can find a more aesthetically pleasing 5.4 than Gelsa.

John Byrnes · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 392

No contest: The West Ridge of Pigeon Spire in the Bugs, 5.4.

Peter Lewis · · Bridgton, ME · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 165

Pinnacle Buttress on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. A classic alpine romp in an otherworldly location. Here's the second-to-last pitch: https://www.mountainproject.com/photo/110784278  

Russ Keane · · Salt Lake · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 392

This is pretty funny.  We all have our favorites, but this thread is like asking, "What's the most beautiful place on earth?"

chris blatchley · · woodinville, wa · Joined Sep 2016 · Points: 6
Peter Lewis wrote: Pinnacle Buttress on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. A classic alpine romp in an otherworldly location. Here's the second-to-last pitch: https://www.mountainproject.com/photo/110784278  

i just did pinnacle gully on saturday. it was so incredible, i can't wait to get back there this summer and climb the buttress. definitely second this route for aesthetics!


another one in the area is The Eaglet 5.7 in franconia notch. definitely up there for being a beautiful spot and great exposure to boot.
Nick Sweeney · · Spokane, WA · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 969

West Ridge of Pigeon Spire.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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