Sidewinder

A lichen-covered basalt band runs along the north face; Clast from the Past follows it left, while Sidewinder follows it right. The lichen gives the rock a brilliant yellow color which is very pleasing to the eye.

Sidewinder is a slightly-overhung traverse with good feet, except for one crux section with tricky moves where most of your weight is on your arms. There are good holds but they take some searching. The difficulty is mostly mental and mitigated by well-placed bolts every four feet or so. The basalt climbing is similar to Exit 38 and offers a nice change of pace to the welded tuff comprising other climbs at Pinto Rock. Since it's a traverse, the route is best cleaned by a follower.

Once completed, climbers have the option of lowering from the chains to the roof lip then toproping Top Gun.

Either hike around the east side of Pinto Rock or climb to the summit then rappel down the standard rap rings; they meet up with the halfway point of Clast from the Past.

The trail to the route is extremely steep and loose; I slid down on my butt when heading back to the car.

Bolts with anchor + chains