Lower Ridge

This cliff lies along the trail shortly before reaching the summit. It has a great view of the Summit Dome, and the vista to the south hints at the scenic qualities available farther up the trail. The top of the cliff is generally breezy and open, though there are plenty of trees to supply shade farther back near the trail, which passes within a few feet of this area. The bottom of the cliff is sheltered, sloping, rocky, and damp in many places. The bugs - particularly blackflies - can be very troublesome down here. The cliff itself is mostly moderate to easy slab, with a steep section or two on every route. Expect some dirt and lichen as these routes have seen little traffic and do not get any upkeep. Because the trail passes the top of this cliff, consider top-belaying these routes. Be aware that the clifftop slope increases deceptively; do not walk unbelayed down the slope. While trees will work as anchors for a single-rope belay, traditional top-rope belays will not work: the rope ends will NOT reach the base of the cliff, and these set-ups are rough on the rope. If you choose to use a top-rope, bottom belay setup, you will have to rig a gear anchor.