PRINT: Rock Climb Thunderclinger, Red River Gorge

Thunderclinger

5.10c, Sport, 60 ft (18 m),

Avg: 3.3 from 89 votes
FA: Tom and Ines Truesdale, Jared Hancock, Karla Carandang, 2005
Kentucky > Red River Gorge > Muir Valley > Coyote Cliff

Access Issue: Muir Valley is Privately Owned Details

Officially known as Muir Valley Climbing Area and a Nature Preserve, Muir is owned and managed by the Friends of Muir Valley non-profit organization.

In order to keep the valley operating a $15 fee is charged per car for parking to cover upkeep.

Some important rules must be followed to ensure future access and enjoyment by all. A complete list can be found at muirvalley.org/tabs/#pills-1 , but the most important are listed below:

All climbers must fill out a legal release form before climbing. muirvalley.org/waiver/ ;
The parking lot described in the directions below is the only permitted parking. Do not park on private drives.
No dogs are allowed in Muir Valley (nor left in your car in the parking lot.)
No hammocks are allowed to be hung/used in Muir Valley.

Description

This is a fun little climb that is both dynamic and technical. The crux of the route is at the beginning of the route. Make a difficult traverse left to gain a nice ledge and crack. Follow the crack to a funky groove. Get your groove on to a nice steep finish. Good varied climb that is worth the hike around. This line dries fairly quick after a rain.

Location

The route is up the hill towards the end of the climbing. Notice a large block that looms above and to the left of this climb. The large block is part of an adjacent climb Bombardier. Look for a smooth slab with a short water groove at the top.

Protection

6 bolts to a two bolt rap anchor. Rap using a 60m rope.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

M.Ish
Salt Lake City, UT

5.10c

This is the best line on the wall. It has a great mixture of holds and climbing styles making for thoughtful moves. If it was taller, it might be a classic! May 16, 2016

Cris Garcia
Michigan

I disagree that it's be the best at the wall but it was good nonetheless. The low crux seemed a bit hight dependent but don't take that as scripture. I'm 5.6 with a +2 ape and spanning the iron cross move was pretty difficult even as someone who climbs significantly harder than 5.10. Jul 28, 2023

Susannah Cotman
Columbus, OH

Interesting route worth your time! Felt similarly difficult as the 5.9 Manteleer. Oct 10, 2023