Smearing down low to easier climbing in the upper portion of the route.

Exhumed

What's the Point

Crown of Thorns

Umbilical Cord

Evil Twin

I think the point is that this is a fun moderate and certainly not your typical 5.8 sport route.  Most lines of this grade (from my experience) are obvious and not sequential.  Whats the Point will challenge the moderate lead climber with a series of delicate moves, requiring some thought to accomplish.  Start in the center of the south face and move up along the bolt line, finishing just up and right of the anchor for Crown of Thorns.  Rappel to descend.

This interesting moderate lies on the south face of the Black Tower and is easier than it looks.  On the left side of the south face you will notice a striking arete, capped with a sizeable roof.  From the base of the climb it is apparent how this one got its name.  Start on the arete, moving up and slightly to the right until you get to the roof.  Move into great exposure, up and left, using the thorns through a crux sequence that is a lot of fun and requires some interesting technique.  Above the thorns, a few slab moves gain the anchor.  Rappel to descend.

Start on the west face of the small block directly in front of the Black Tower. There is a nice crack here that will take a small cam at about the height of the first bolt (for the purist in you). After surmounting the block, walk across the bridge and clip the second bolt. The bridge is what distinguishes this climb, especially considering that it looks as if it would collapse the moment you step onto it! Continue up rather steep face climbing through a spicy, but well-protected crux. Finish up and right to the anchor.

When rappelling, be careful not to get the rope stuck in the crack/flake to the left of the anchor.

This route ascends the south west face of the Black Tower, between Umbilical Cord and Crown Of Thorns past six bolts to a two bolt anchor with chains. The crux is encountered at the second bolt.

Description

Location

Protection

Routes in The Black Tower