Mountaineer's Route

This route climbs the clean-looking S.E. arete of the Stonehenge. The route is lichened up top and so it requires more effort than the grade implies- you can't just peddle up it on lead or you might slip off. It is better to choose your feet carefully. Were it not for the lichens mentioned, this route would get 2 stars. There are great views back into bear canyon of of this long, continuous line.

Start inthe hard, metamorphasixed stone, climbing solid edges and crimpers for a good distance of clean rock, going up to and past a set of anchors on the left (clip for pro). The rock becomes more like normal flatirons rock from there, with more slopers and knobs replacing the quartzite-like feature below. Unfortunately, this gives way to more development of lichen, on this infrequently climbed route. Continue up the arete as the angle eases off, watching over the backside for a second set of anchors that can be clipped if so desired, with a long sling do drape the rope to the East side fo the rock. The last 40' to the summit (or so) can be climbed more like a ridge than a flatiron and give great exposure on slightly cleaner rock. You will arrive on the summit on probably more than 50M of climbing, but a belay there is problematic and certainly less than solid. I looped the rope over the top (to the West) and climbed down 20 feet of 5.0 to the North into a notch and set a good belay on some large cams (3-3.5"). My partner summited and then down-climbed to the belay.

There is little pro, even for a flatiron. I placed a 3" cam 70' up, then clipped the shuts to "Thought Control" (which is on the S. Side) after about 90' and then found 2 rap rings ont he back (west) side that I pulled over to the front at 140' to clip as well. The summit offers a "butt bucket belay" (solution hole) or you can climb down 20' North to belay in a grrove off of good gear.