Sentinel East Face - 5.4 popular

I love this climb! This was my first lead of the year, and the Mississippi river view from the top goes for miles and miles. Vultures and hawks ride the thermals and cruise just above you ... it's a great place in decent weather.

This is a delightful beginner's climb when done on top rope. Liberal hand and foot holds except for the two, modest cruxes where you need to work a little harder. We had young climbers who trained in a climbing gym, but this was their first significant outdoor climb with authentic exposure. The pure joy of working your way up a significant cliff through a set of challenges, then standing on the smooth platform at the top with those great views provides a hugh payoff at the end of a fun ascent.

There are a couple of awkward 3rd class moves on the approach, but if you like to scramble, you might even enjoy them!

The cliff doesn't take pro very well, and next time I'll take more small to medium nuts. 90 foot climb, I could only get maybe four or five good pieces in ... a guy that has climbed there forever (Ed) indicated that eight usable pieces was the record.

First good stance and pro opportunity is 15 - 20 feet up, so there is a ground fall potential down to a somewhat featured surface below. That's the reason for my PG13 safety opinion.

Nice view at the top and fun to rap the side of the spire facing the river

Worth the view on top.

First time trad follow.

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