"Menhir offers a subtly complex slab and crack climb on the edge of Les Fesses, blending moderate exposure with a winding line. This single-pitch trad route rewards steady footwork and precise gear management amid the tranquil forested hills of the Laurentians."
Menhir guides you along a subtle slab at the forefront of Les Fesses, a limestone outcrop cutting into the forested Laurentian hills. From the base, this climb begins with a measured ascent, hugging the rock's face as you pass just left of a large block resting midwall. The route unfolds into a flat section secured by a lone piton, a silent marker amid the rugged stone. From here, a diagonal crack arcs rightward, demanding steady footwork and thoughtful placements as you make your way to the summit.
Though the climb covers just 170 feet in a single pitch, the complexity arises in its circuitous path and the airy exposure encountered in the latter half. The rock’s texture varies—from the polished slab at the start, which clings with faint friction, to sections where moisture lingers longer than usual, particularly hidden pockets that slow drying after rain. Dirt patches present themselves early on, a modest reminder to check your holds carefully.
Protection is straightforward but economical, with just two pitons—one near the base and one resting mid-route on the flat section. These fixed points anchor your gear placements but require a rack mostly of smaller cams, no larger than two inches. Long slings are essential to manage rope drag caused by the zig-zagging nature of the climb’s line. Double ropes are preferable, offering flexibility as you navigate the subtle traverses and the intricate diagonal crack.
Menhir sits in the serene wilderness of the Laurentians, a place where climbs are quiet, the forest’s soft sounds mixing with the whistle of breeze brushing through sparse treetops. The approach is gentle enough to preserve energy for the technical sections, making it approachable for climbers comfortable with delicate, sustained moves at moderate grades.
Practical considerations: it’s wise to time your ascent during dryer spells to reduce challenges from damp rock and dirt patches, which can dull the freshness of hand and foot placements. Footwear with sticky rubber and strong edging capability will enhance security on the slab moves. Carrying a water bottle and layers protects against sudden cool mountain breezes.
Menhir’s modest grade makes it a suitable outing for climbers looking to refine crack and slab skills without committing to longer multi-pitches. The climb’s exposed second half rewards composed movement and patience, all within a scenic region prized for its quiet beauty and crisp air. Expect to enjoy a climb that’s understated in length but rich in thoughtful negotiation and subtle exposure, perfect for a spring or early summer adventure in Quebec’s Laurentian Range.
Watch for damp patches especially in less exposed sections that dry slowly after rain; these can reduce friction significantly. Rope management is crucial here due to traverse-induced drag, so use long slings and double ropes to minimize unnecessary tension. Approach the pitons cautiously as some fixed points might have weathered over time.
Start only when the rock is dry to avoid slippery sections and prolonged damp spots.
Wear sticky-soled climbing shoes with good edging to handle slab moves confidently.
Use long slings to reduce rope drag through the route’s traverses and crack shifts.
Double ropes are recommended to navigate the zig-zags and protect complex sections efficiently.
Bring a traditional rack with cams no larger than 2 inches, complemented by long slings to manage rope drag around traverses. Two pitons are fixed—one near the start, one in the flat section—offering limited fixed protection that requires careful placements above and along the diagonal crack. Double ropes improve safety and ease rope management on this route.
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