- Edit (TBD)
Description
The route ascends the direct south face of the Sharkstooth. P1 and P2 gain the spire while P3 climbs through loose, wet, and overhanging chimneys (crux). P4 continues up overhanging corners. P5 gains the ledge connecting the
South Prow
traverse ledge. From here, continue up the
South Prow
trending right to the summit.
P1 - ascend a dirty chimney to the left of the Petit Grepon.
P1 alternate - climb corners on the buttress to the left of the Petit. This avoids the dirty chimney (5.7).
P2 - move the belay across the talus to the base of a left-facing cihedral.
P2 alternate - climb left of chimney capped by huge boulder, cross talus. (60m, 5.4) Bump the belay up another 100 feet to base of left-facing dihedral.
P3 - climb through blocky, loose, wet, and lichen covered overhanging corners and chimneys (5.8).
P4 - continue up overhanging corners with more loose and lichen covered rock (5.7+/5.8).
P5 - climb up the final corner system to gain the ledge of the
South Prow
.
P6-12 - follow the
South Prow
(5.7) or Southeast face (right of the prow - 5.6) to the summit.
Location
The route ascends the South Face of the Sharkstooth and links up with the
South Prow
route. The traditional 1st pitch is in the dirty chimney in between the Sharkstooth and the Petit Grepon. The alternate starts can be found on the low buttress to the left of the Petit. Pitch one of our line ascended a blocky corner on the right side of the buttress.
Descent: continue up the
South Prow
or SE Ridge to the summit. Two (60m) double rope and one (60m) single rope rappels get you down the East Gully.
NOTE: the descent puts you on the Andrews Creek side of the spires. Be prepared to carry everything with you on your climb.
Protection
Standard alpine rack - Wires up to #3 Camalot. A #4 could be useful but is not necessary.