Ascent Notes for: Block Route - 5.8 popular Average Rating : 3.95/5

I took a friend climbing today that had never been to Stone before and had never really been rock climbing. I figured this would be the easiest route for him. I did try a new pair of Evolv shoes today that I purchased after reading about some lab test that proved (supposedly) the Evolv rubber is the stickiest on the market. I wasn't very impressed at all. My Five Tens, ranked second to last in the study, have a far superior grip on slab than the Evolvs. I will be sticking to the Five Tens from now on. We also climbed The Great Arch once on the tree ledge.

Lead today for some friends and family. I have become a bit bored with this route, so this time, I used no protection, not even for the block move. I even rapped back down to solo the block move a second time for photos. I would highly recommend this route to those new to Stone over the Entrance Crack for access to the tree ledge.

Lead route at the request of my climbing partner, she prefers this route over the other access routes for the tree ledge. The block move does make this route worthwhile. We climbed the Great Arch afterwards, then I climbed Banana Breath with her husband (my usual climbing partner).

The heat this time of year is really not that bad as long as you stay hydrated. The warmth of the rock also helps my shoes to stick better. (Update on 8-21: I take back my statement about my shoes sticking better. Later on in the year, when it got hotter, I actually had less traction.)

A nice two pitch route. Lots of fun, and a great warmup before Tree Ledge. I gave it a PG-13 because it is a bit run out for the leader.

This was the first of three climbs for the day. I have already climbed this route many times, mostly to make it easier on my climbing partner. I really find it difficult to grade this route more than a 5.6, even with the "block" move. I climb unprotected until the set of belay anchors at the small pine tree, clip into one of the belay anchors and continue up to the corner where the single difficult move is located. Then, I will place one or two cams to protect the crux. Those who prefer more protection will have plenty of opportunities to place nuts or cams along the way. For the block move, climb as high into the corner as possible, place your right foot up onto the short arete and grab any of several hand holds. Pull yourself up onto the ledge while shifting weight to your right foot. That's it, then continue to the top. I have yet to have anyone not be able to make the move.

Wet spots after yesterdays rain made it interesting.

I just started climbing and had only been outside less than a half dozen times when I took the trip to Stone. It was great experience learning how to trust my feet! I seconded the route quickly and only hesitated for a few minutes at the block move. Trusting my body is the key to that move.

This was my first climb & I didn't think the Block Route was a 5.8. Leading it would definitely add complexity to the climb , But I guess it's a mind game. My Friend did guide me on how to approach it , which I guess helped..but then again. It's not a 5.8 :)

Led up Block again taking two new climbers to do the arch. One had never climbed rock before and made the little move flawlessly without hesitation. Don't see why this is 5.8. Even on lead, it feels more 5.6

The crux is like a fun bouldering move.