DAY 3 - Climbing - Round 2

Slowly working our way up to more challenging climbs, we chose to attempt “The Sphinx”, a short 5.7 climb up an unusual rock formation that, of course, resembles The Sphinx in Egypt. This route was tons of fun and in an amazing setting.
 
After rappelling most of the route we then walked over the connecting ridge to Canyon Point Butte, to try another 5.7 route. Evan once again led the route and in short order we arrived at the summit, taking in an extraordinary view.
 
Next up: Owl Rock. Owl Rock is a spectacular pinnacle of rock in Arches National Park, rated at 5.8. Evan stepped up to the plate yet again, and attempted to climb the rock. Unfortunately it proved to be significantly more challenging than the 5.7’s we had just completed. We wisely chose to leave it for another day.
 
 
From left to right: Tombstone Butte, The Sphinx, Canyon Point Butte



  The Sphinx and Canyon Point Butte



Why The Sphinx earns its name



Evan makes his way to the start of the climb



Ready for action. The two parallel cracks provide climbing routes up Canyon Point Butte, in the background
 


Evan atop the first short pitch




Evan at the summit, ready to belay me up




All smiles at the top



The view along the connecting ridge to Canyon Point Butte is fantastic



Evan rappels. Note the rappel ropes are at his sides and get fed out as he rappels. Evan is fantastic with rope management.



A more comprehensive view of the area



Canyon Point Butte is a very aesthetic formation



Walking the ridge



Going barefoot in the Canadian Rockies is simply not an option!!



Evan leads the 5.7 crack on Canyon Point Butte



Awesome rock!



Evan gives the summit view a thumbs up



Oh my!

 

Easy rappel to get back to the ground



Looking back at the climbs and Evan's truck. The approach to the climb is about 3 minutes!


OWL ROCK


Evan leads Owl Rock



About as high as he got. I couldn't even make it up to that point before chickening out!

continue to DAY 4
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