P1: 5.5 - Climb right side of the big slab to chain anchors. 7 clips, 100ft

P2: 5.10c/d - Clip first bolt with long draw, pulling the small roof is the crux and then easier climbing to the top. 9 clips, 80ft

Descent: Rappel the route

Clast from the Past

Sidewinder

Top Gun

A lichen-covered basalt band runs along the north face; Clast from the Past follows it left, while Sidewinder follows it right. The lichen gives the rock a brilliant yellow color which is very pleasing to the eye.

Sidewinder is a slightly-overhung traverse with good feet, except for one crux section with tricky moves where most of your weight is on your arms. There are good holds but they take some searching. The difficulty is mostly mental and mitigated by well-placed bolts every four feet or so. The basalt climbing is similar to Exit 38 and offers a nice change of pace to the welded tuff comprising other climbs at Pinto Rock. Since it's a traverse, the route is best cleaned by a follower.

Once completed, climbers have the option of lowering from the chains to the roof lip then toproping Top Gun.

Lead Sidewinder, then lower from the chains to the lip of the roof. Begin toproping from this point back up to the chains.

Description

Location

Protection

Routes in North Side