Suggested Page Improvements to The Minotaur

The Minotaur is a relatively moderate climb in a spectacular position. You get great views of Wilson, the Strip, and all the First Creek Slabs below. The climbing isn't that bad either but does have a few runout places. Be careful on the 7th pitch. It is easy climbing but pro is sparse. Combining this with any of the lower slab routes would make for a big grade IV day.

There are no bolts on this climb but belays are generally good and easy to get. This is probably the easiest way to get up the labyrinth wall. As with any new route however, be aware that all holds may not be bomber. I give the route 3 stars because of its position, length, and a few really neat pitches. That being said, it has some sections of mediocre rock, is runout on some easy terrain, and would be better compared to a Resolution Arete style of climbing. In short, its a moderate level adventure that if combined with the lower slab routes provides for 2000+ft of climbing.

Pitch 1: 5.10a/b 180ft

Start up a right angling crack that turns vertical. Continue up the thin crack and face and make a delicate traverse right 10 ft to gain the upper thin crack. Belay at a bush.

Pitch 2: 5.9 205ft

Climb up 15ft and traverse left into the right facing dihedral. Climb the dihedral to a ledge.

Pitch 3: 3rd Class 50ft

Scramble back and up 3rd class terrain to the right.

Pitch 4: 5.9 165ft

Climb up a right-facing corner passing a short 6” offwidth section and up a groove. Where the groove dead-ends into a steep blank wall traverse left and climb up onto a short step and belay.

Pitch 5: 3rd Class 40ft

Step left and through a short corridor to another wall.

Pitch 6: 5.9 215ft

Climb the handcrack up 40ft, traverse right to another crack and take it up and through a roof . Belay where the crack bends left and makes a small ledge.

Pitch 7: 5.7 R 185ft

From the belay first traverse right on the face for 15ft. Place gear and move up and generally trend left on face holds and almost no protection to a ledge with stacked blocks around the left corner.

Pitch 8: 5.9 R 95ft Move up and then left from the belay and follow a large crack on poor rock. Continue up a white rock chimney to another ledge spaced 2 feet across a gap from the yellow headwall.