A Devil's Lake 10-star, mega-classic! Perched on the airy right-hand side of one of Devil's Lake's most impressive and imposing walls, Wiessner's Face starts on the right side of Wiessner's Ledge, and negotiates blocky terrain up and right to a good stance above the pine tree. From that stance, it links (at a moderate grade) edges and horizontal cracks up what appears from below to be a blank, improbable face. Each move up is an exercise in faith, but rest-assured, the holds will present themselves, and you will not, despite the nagging feeling, fall all the way to the lake waiting patiently, hundreds of feet below, if you fail in finding them.

Wiessner Face

The Wasp

Fritz

Upper Wiessner Crack

Just Another Pretty Face

Wiessner Boulder

Stinger

Upper Left Crack

Wiessner Chimney

Hambone Arete

The hands and wider crack that leaves the ledge above the lower left side of the Weissner Wall.

Somewhat of an awkward start. The places you would like to have a hold for your feet are not there. Start on the far left of the wall on large blocks. Climb the corner (pretty easy) up to the overhang. Go right around the overhang to access a crack. The crack is the crux. Follow the crack to the large ledge above and viola, you're done.

This route is eight feet to the left of Stinger. Start on the face then traverse left to a thin crack a short way up (about ten feet). Climb the crack to the ledge above. You may continue from the ledge, but beware the loose blocks in the alcove above.

Just Another Pretty Face ascends the smooth face to the right of most climbs on Wiessner's.  Head straight up the middle to begin, then once the going gets impossibly tough, veer left to the corner, but stay out of the features of the chimney.  I'm not sure if the face has been sent up the middle the entire way, but it was beyond my abilities.  This is a fun climb and will satisfy the climber looking for a good challenge on this excellent wall.

Located on the approach trail from the west bluff trail is a nice little boulder with a couple of worthwhile problems on it. The best being the big roof/ prow. We simply called it the Wiessner Boulder due to its location. Probably was climbed before us in the 70s; regardless a nice distraction in a great location.

Just left of the Wiessner Chimney.  There is an alcove 15-20 feet up. Climb to gain the alcove then make a move left then back right again to gain the tree. The route ends here, but continue from the tree with the Wiessner Face.

This route starts on Weissner ledge and climbs the left-most crack/weakness in the upper wall. Start 6 ft left of the base of the pine tree on Weissner ledge. Climb the vertical crack about 8ft up to a smaller ledge. About 10 ft above this smaller ledge there is a small roof that's split thru the middle by another vertical crack. Climb this crack to the top.

 (This is Swartling/Mayer unnamed #6)

Up the chimney to the right of the alcove and Stinger. Use the chimney to gain a slab and traverse to the tree. Finish the route using the crack above your position at the tree. This one is easy, but real fun. The guidebook I used to find this climb recommends this as well; Please belay in a position that doesn't damage the tree.

Located between the top of Wiessner Wall and Cleos Ampitheatre is a very nice prow with excellent moves. A natural sds is best way to send this little gem.

The Wiessner Wall is named after Fritz Wiessner, a very big name in climbing back in the 1930's.  The wall contains a handfull of moderate climbs that are well worth your time.

Description

Protection

Routes in Wiessner Wall