Ascent Notes for: The West Buttress - 5.9 Average Rating : 4.67/5

The first pitch is a bit scary and the climbing is a bit harder than 5.9. The remainder of the climb was great. I especially enjoyed the offwidth / chimney.

A little sandbagged. Very sustained in a techy kind of way. Start is a little sketchy and the crux is a little hard in comparison to other 5.9's and even some 5.10's in the canyon (Positively Fourth Street, Handcracker, Five Ten Crack, etc). It's protected enough though and if you're an experienced Eldo climber it shouldn't seem too sandbagged. Probably not good for the 5.9 climber.

Another amazing route on the bastille. We did the 10a variation. Chimney is interesting, and the exit roof near the top is stellar.

First crux is definitely interesting if you're under 5'4". I can not believe I didn't fall there!

A year and a month ago, I backed off this climb because I didn't like the unprotected traverse at the beginning. Today, I felt absolutely solid. Yay!

The move on the first pitch is the spirit of Eldo 5.9--mystifying at first, then not too bad once you figure it out. Great when you combine the first two pitches.

and others later

Fun climb with the 10b/c start past the two pins and up the thin crack. Man I dislike squeeze chimneys.

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