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Wind Drinker

5.12b, Sport, 95 ft (29 m),  Avg: 4 from 14 votes
FA: Todd Skinner, 1997
Wyoming > Lander Area > Suicide Point

Description

The wildest and most exposed pitch around.

a quick scramble and 60 feet of 5.6 arete climbing take you to a horizontal break with bail anchors. Take a deep breath, clip the bail anchors with a long runner, and cruise out 15 feet of well featured HORIZONTAL ARETE CLIMBING, on the "hatchet blade". The prow stays around 45 degrees for another 10 feet, and then remains vertical to the very top of the beautiful formation. One of so many inspiring Skinner routes.

Location

This line takes the very edge of the hatchet blade shaped prow at Suicide Point.

Protection

12 quickdraws and maybe one long runner. rings at the top.

You can lower with a 60, depending on where you stand to belay. KNOT THE END of your rope anyway.

Don't leave hanging draws here, or at least make sure they're dull colored. see comment.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

pumped and whipping Liz!
[Hide Photo] pumped and whipping Liz!
Justin in the crux
[Hide Photo] Justin in the crux
Wind drinker
[Hide Photo] Wind drinker
Photo by the amazing Brian Miller @fixedlinemedia
[Hide Photo] Photo by the amazing Brian Miller @fixedlinemedia
Psssaaaaaat! Photo taken by and posted w permission from J Sloane
[Hide Photo] Psssaaaaaat! Photo taken by and posted w permission from J Sloane
Getting ready to pull over the bulge on the send. Photo posted w permission taken by Jason Sloane.
[Hide Photo] Getting ready to pull over the bulge on the send. Photo posted w permission taken by Jason Sloane.
bullet damage to a bail biner and two hangers.
[Hide Photo] bullet damage to a bail biner and two hangers.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

JD Merritt
Eugene, OR
  5.12b
[Hide Comment] people literally shot the bolts off this thing, damaging the rock in the process. I've replaced all the bolts on wind drinker and hurricane hannah with quality stainless hardware. DONT leave hanging draws on this one, as it's a feature that is easily visible from a popular 4wd hunting access road. Nov 5, 2017
ROCKMAN2
Nederland, CO
  5.12b
[Hide Comment] amazing, worth the approach drive. make sure you have a truck with good tires and don't care too much about your paint job. Jul 15, 2019
Mike Rowley
Traveling
 
[Hide Comment] I had heard the road was pretty gnarly. It exceeded my expectations. However, it's all worth the drive when you catch your first glimpse of WD. Easy starting arete to 2 body length roof. Lots of hold options to choose from. Amazing position. All the stars. Jul 10, 2020
kaalClimber
[Hide Comment] Bring a wrench if you're making the trip out here as the third bolt out the roof is very loose. Road is rough but straightforward, all the way to the crag, with good clearance and tires Jul 26, 2021
Go Back to Super Topo
Lex
[Hide Comment] Recent forum kurfuffles has me intrigued…is this route manufactured at all? I didn’t notice any blatant drilling, personally


I also made this in a stock 4x4 Tacoma in 2015 fwiw Dec 16, 2021