Ascent Notes for: The Barb - 5.10c Average Rating : 4.50/5

This is a great climb, the approach is a bit of a pain, especially in the dark but the climbing makes up for it. Comparing it to the crux of Flying Buttress Direct I'd say this is the same difficulty but far less sustained. It's like two or three moves protected by a good pin at the time that could be backed up if desired. I would belay lower than the pin. It sucks but it's better than doing some weird up and down stuff.

One of the best 5.10 Alpine routes in the park

Got a bivy permit, spent the night and climbed it the next day. Looked like there might be a rap descent. If I went back would prefer to linkup at least two routes. Great fun!

I think the pin was still there. I seem to remember a bolt, as well (I'm recording this a year later). The crux was very short, and you're on a level with your belayer. After the crux pitch, we traversed around to the back side (North ridge?) b/c I wasn't sure if we were on a dead end.

A very late season ascent, but a beautiful day with the route all to ourselves. Dave did a nice job leading the crux and I managed to follow clean. It is hard but short and would be easy to aid--if you are a solid 5.9 leader, do not shy away from this great route.