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