South Face
Description
The only route on one of the most prominent features in Sedona. Classic climbing but very runout. The crux is well protected, but there are potential bone-breaking falls on 5.9-ish terrain. Bloom's book says to stick clip the first bolt, but I really can't see how this would help since getting to the first bolt is no big deal and the climbing doesn't get runout until after the crux bulge.
Pitch 1: 5.7 100' from the ledge scramble up a series of ledges towards the big chimney. Belay at the base of the chimney.
Pitch 2: 5.8 100' Up the chimney to a 2 bolt belay.
Pitch 3: 5.11- R 150' The business. Belay/spot from the little pinnacle on the ledge. Climb the face to a bulge (crux). After the crux the climb is very runout and sustained 5.9. Unless you get gear in some funky pockets after the corner there is a 100' fall potential from the top of the pitch. Hand-sized tricams or a #2 Camalot might work here. No promises since I didn't have either.
Location
Approach: Same as Queen Victoria. From the notch between Pointed Dome and Queen Vic, follow a ledge system on the south face of Pointed Dome (30' above the ground). Belay from this ledge.
Protection
Nuts, 1 set cams to #4 Camalot. Big tricams for pockets (hand sized). For pitch 2 just bring nuts, a #1 and #2 Camalot, and tricams.
Routes in Pointed Dome
- 1South Face5.11-Trad