"Aerie delivers a focused, single-pitch sport climb with a brief but defining crux. On a vertical face peppered with sharp edges and varied hand holds, this route offers a concise challenge under high desert skies, perfect for climbers ready to refine technique without committing to lengthy approaches."
Aerie stands as a focused challenge along the sun-baked walls of Critter Crag, inviting climbers to test their precision on a concentrated 65-foot pitch. From the outset, the climb demands attention; the lower section offers rough, unstable rock that forces controlled movement until you reach a sturdy ledge marking the true beginning. Once past this initial zone, the route opens into a deliberate sequence of edges, crimps, and jugs that require confident hand placements and the ability to adapt grip angles through varied hand orientations. The vertical angle holds steady, rewarding clean technique with a smooth progression that flows toward the anchors.
This sport climb is characterized by its straightforward protection—four bolts passing the crux to a solid anchor—making gear placement a straightforward affair while ensuring security throughout your ascent. The rock itself bears the sun and wind of the high desert, rough to the touch but offering enough texture for friction-dependent moves. The setting—a part of the layered western sector of Runway Wash—provides sparse vegetation and wide-open skies, framing your effort with fading desert light that shifts as the day passes.
Reaching Aerie involves a manageable approach along trails that wind through rocky terrain peppered with desert scrub. The route is ideal for climbers looking for a concise, moderately demanding climb that balances technical hand work with vertical rhythm. Timing your climb for morning or late afternoon will avoid the harshest sun and allow cooler conditions, an advantage in this exposed environment. Footwear with sticky rubber is essential to negotiate the sharp edges, and hydration is crucial given the dry air.
Although the crux is not relentlessly physical, it does call for careful foot placements and controlled breathing to maintain your focus and momentum. The anchor sits ready for your belay or to set up a quick rappel, and the descent is a straightforward walk-off down ledgy terrain marked by clearer paths back to the trailhead. This route offers an accessible yet satisfying taste of desert sport climbing that mixes exposure with enough technical detail to keep limbs engaged.
Watch your footing in the lower start zone, where loose rock can challenge your balance. Given the high desert environment, be prepared for sun exposure and sudden wind gusts that can catch you off guard on exposed ledges.
Start patiently through the chossy lower section to conserve energy for the crux above.
Wear shoes with good edging capability to handle the small, sharp holds.
Aim for morning or late afternoon climbs to avoid peak sun exposure on the face.
Carry ample water—desert heat can dehydrate quickly even on short climbs.
Four fixed bolts protect the route, spaced evenly to cover the crux moves up to a reliable anchor. The hardware provides straightforward security without requiring additional gear placements.
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