PRINT: Rock Climb Dead Dog Face, Red Wing (a.k.a. He Mni Can, Barn Bluff)

Dead Dog Face

5.11a, Sport,

Avg: 2.8 from 74 votes
FA: Jim Craighead (TR) 1987
Minnesota > Red Wing (a.k.a… > E End

Description

A somewhat unusual climb for Red Wing. Pockety, technical and on smooth solid rock. Fine route at its grade. Reminiscent of sport climbing in white limestone.

Follow the bolt line and stay off the roof holds on the right.

Please email me if you have any info regarding bolting and first free ascent of this route.

Protection

4 bolts, rap anchors.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Mike Ringsred and Nate Erickson on Dead Dog Face. March '12.

Line/anchor for Dead Dog Face. Left of Barn Burner and Barn Dance

Great climb!

Mike topping out Dead Dog Face.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Adam Therneau

5.11a

This route climbs much better than it looks. Though a little contrived, sticking to the face at the start and going left after the big hole at the second bolt makes this route more like 11c and superb. Nov 15, 2006

chris tregge
Madison WI

5.11a

Contrived but if you follow Adam's advice it's stellar, a lot of fun and tough to onsight. Jun 1, 2007

Sue and Jim

Technically, the 5.11a rating (a bit contrived) calls for climbing between (and not using) the two cracks. Sep 19, 2007

randy baum

5.11a

easier for those with a long reach. Oct 25, 2008

Buck Rio
MN

In the mid 90's I was belaying a friend on this climb when we started getting pelted with rocks from on top of the bluff. Followed by a 90 pound dog that thought he should retrieve them. The dog died after about thirty minutes, and everyone there was pretty shaken up. Ironic that the name of the climb is "Dead Dog" face. true story. Apr 2, 2018

peter graupner
stillwater, mn

There was some rock breakage between the second, and third bolt. This makes it incredibly easier than before, but flows quite nice for the shorter climbers like myself. Because of this it feels 11a as long as you void the cracks Jun 7, 2020