2019's Must-Climb Routes
I climbed so many outstanding pitches in 2018. With rock season now upon us, I’ve been thinking a lot about routes that I’d like to climb this year. So without further ado, here’s five new-to-me rock routes in the Northeast that are on my “to-do” list for 2019.
1. Something on Cannon. There's so many classic moderates on Cannon. The Whitney G. Moby Grape. Lakeview. All of them look awesome and it’s time to hop on (at least) one of them. Who wants in?
2. The Armadillo, Katahdin. Possibly the longest alpine climb in the east? A 4,000 footer I've never summited? Topping out near the end of the AT? Fantastic views? What's not to love? (Well, probably the off-width pitch, but I digress ...).
3. Little Finger, Rodger's Rock. Maybe the easiest climb on this list. But I love slab climbing. And I've come across this one 100s of times while flipping through Peter Lewis' Selected Climbs in the Northeast guide book. Plus there's a SUP approach (which in case you haven’t heard, I enjoy).
4. High Exposure, The Gunks. I’ve climbed somewhere between 10 and 20 days at the Gunks with my friend John yet somehow he’s never suggested that we rope-up on this uber-classic route. What gives?
5. Endeavour, White’s Ledge. My buddy Josh and I were planning to climb this seven-pitch route before class on the last day of our AMGA Rock Guide last fall. But when it was raining when we woke up, we bailed. Too bad, that splitter crack near the top looks awesome.
So there you have it, my “to-do” list for summer 2019 climbing. I’m looking forward to getting started.
