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Aging Gracefully

5.7, Trad, Sport, 150 ft (45 m),  Avg: 2.9 from 40 votes
FA: David Monger, Doug Mericle, Gus Rodda and John Page
S Dakota > Custer SP > Sylvan Lake > Outlets > Old People's Dome

Description

This climb is located on Old People's Dome about 12 feet to the right of the climb called Creeping Senility and just to the right of the two small white birch trees. Getting to the first bolt is probably the crux. Another trouble spot is having to stretch to the right to reach a foothold below the 5th bolt. I found that clipping this bolt pulls your second to the right off of the more comfortable holds to the left. Apparently there is a horn that can be slung above this point so it may be better to skip the 5th bolt? The anchors are the same for Creeping Senility but on this climb you have a bolt just below the anchors unlike on Creeping Senility, which is unprotected on top of the arete. Double rope rappel from intermediate anchor or true summit (See description for Creeping Senility).

Protection

Ten button bolts, but the first bolt is about 15 feet up. A horn can be slung a little over half way up.

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Rapping off 'Aging Gracefully'
[Hide Photo] Rapping off 'Aging Gracefully'

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] The first ascent of Aging Gracefully was done by David Monger, Doug Mericle, Gus Rodda and John Page back in 98' or 99'. Jul 11, 2003
Sean Wolf
Denver, CO
  5.7
[Hide Comment] I climbed here with Peter Lev. It was a really cool experience. Jun 8, 2009
rich mcfadden
Meridian Idaho
[Hide Comment] Excellent climb although I only found six bolts-quite runout on upper stretch with 5.8 moves on steeper section. Must Do! Sep 7, 2009
[Hide Comment] I would agree that the crux is getting to the first bolt. Be comfortable at the grade and have a spotter till you get the clip. Watch your feet, there is a bit of lichen on those lower holds. Its a cool line, definitely worth repeating. Oct 7, 2019