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Summer School

5.10b/c, Sport, 80 ft (24 m),  Avg: 3.4 from 5 votes
FA: Dave Rone, John Randall
S Dakota > Needles Of Rush… > Mt Rushmore Nat… > Chopping Block > Pine Tree Rock
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Description

Make just two moves to the left, and you are 30' off the ground! From the base of the big crack that splits the S side of Pine Tree Rock, traverse left 15', then climb the schist for 20'. Traverse left, then up (5.10 crux) on small holds to the base of the pillar on the SW side of the face. Start climbing the pillar, and then decide if you want to GRADUATE, using the 5.8 finish up and left, or SERVE DETENTION and finish on the very steep 5.11 face above! As with the other two routes on this face, you get a lot of variety!

Location

Summer School starts at the base of the prominent crack that splits the center of the S side of Pine Tree Rock. From the top, either rappel 80' to the ground (the birch tree is a problem), or carefully down-climb the gully on the E side of P.T.R. Another option is bring a 2nd rope, and make the 140' rappel down Evergreen on the W side.

Protection

6 bolts and a couple medium cams for the 5.8 finish. 10 bolts to do the the 5.11 finish. Both to a double-bolt anchor.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Dave Rone
Custer, SD
  5.10
[Hide Comment] I got back on this route again last summer, and found that some small crystals have broken off since the FA. It's harder traversing from the steep schist to the base of the crack than it was a few years ago. I'd say it's moving toward the realm of 10+. Oct 10, 2013