Start directly on Hummingbird Saddle, climb a bulgy arete towards a roof, bypass the roof on the left, climb to the right, then cross a narrow brushy ledge to the left and belay just east of the actual summit. Un-rope and scramble to the actual summit. A (much?) harder variation looks possible keeping right on the narrow brushy ledge and climbing directly to the summit. There is much lichen, and moss (you may have to clean out cracks for pro), and watch for loose rocks once you reach the roof.

North Face, Hummingbird Saddle Route

The Retaining Wall is the narrow curving wall that forms the southern side of Dark Canyon (see Organ Needle Normal Route mountainproject.com/v/norma…).  It's sharp bouldery summit offers a view into Fillmore canyon that is blocked by The Retaining Wall to those simply summiting the Needle.

Description

Location

Protection

Routes in The Retaining Wall