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Coolest Features to Climb in North America

BigB · · Red Rock, NV · Joined Feb 2015 · Points: 340

Thor Peak on Baffin Island looks awesome and is on my bucket list even if I have to do it from the easy side ;)... btw what is the grade on it? I tried using the route finder on here but it didn't have much info, other than location.

walmongr · · Gilbert AZ · Joined Aug 2015 · Points: 130
teece303 · · Highlands Ranch, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 596

I really liked the Maiden.

Marc801 C · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 65
RandyR wrote: I don't know about that...you don't think that Yellow Wall or Fat City Direct belongs on this list?
The most overrated list or the list in this thread?
If it's the latter, no, since those routes present cruxes and passages that are pretty much the same as hundreds of other Gunks climbs whereas this thread is about "coolest features". It's not that those two climbs aren't great, but there's nothing particularly unique about the features they climb.
Jeff McLeod · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 45


Third pillar of Dana was pretty psychedelic
damon farnum · · MA · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 20

Forbidden Peak, North Cascades. Aesthetics are awesome while you're on it.

David A · · Gardnerville, NV · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 405

In addition to the plethora of good things listed, I'd like to add the Turkey Monster, in Oregon.

cnadel · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 5

Petit Grepon?
The Flagpole in the Enchantments?

As for sport climbs, Predator Arete? Bullet the Blue Sky? Moons of Pluto?

I also think any kind of basalt/andesite column climbing (i.e. Trout Creek, Vantage, Tieton River) is pretty aesthetic. Not nearly as epic as Devil's Tower or Beacon Rock but fun nonetheless.

pkeds · · Broomfield, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 30

incredible hulk
keeler needle
anything at the needles
bastille buttress
the chief

George Bell · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 5,050

My votes go for (in no particular order):
Lost Arrow Spire
Standing Rock
Totem Pole
Ancient Art
Moses
Ship Rock Area
D. Half Dome
I tend to like towers that look impossible to climb from any side. For example Lost Arrow Spire fits the bill, although it may not have the greatest climbing on it.

JaredG · · Tucson, AZ · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 17
Goliath at the Enchanted tower
Delicate Arch
Rick Blair · · Denver · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 266

Apart from Devil's Tower, coolest features in the US will most likely be in the Moab area or Yosemite.

Creed Archibald · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 1,016

South Howser Tower floors me. On the bucket list.

I would also 2nd Devils Tower, The Diamond, and the Cirque of The Towers peaks: Pingora, Wolfs Head, Warbonnet. I also think the big face of Hallet Peak is gorgeous.
Marc801 C · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 65

Lotus Flower Tower perhaps?

Rick Blair · · Denver · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 266
Crotch Robbins · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2003 · Points: 277

Half Dome
Sentinel Rock
Moro Rock
Everything on George Bell's list!
Devils Tower
Mount Athabasca
Sir Donald
Edith Cavell
Rainier and Shasta
Pingora
Washington Monument
Castleton
Mount Williamson
Bugaboo Spire and Snowpatch

doligo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 264

I think the thread is mislabeled - it should read "Coolest Formations" not "Coolest Features".

If you think of coolest features in N. America, it's parallel splitters of Indian Creek hands down!

russellHOBART · · Chapel Hill, NC · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 4,089

Lots of fantastic features in the Black Hills. Here's a little something- Gossamer

Nick Sweeney · · Spokane, WA · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 969

Angel's Landing in Zion (many routes, up to 5.11 and A3+)
Weeping Wall (WI5-6+)
The Bastille (many routes, obvious one is The Bastille Crack 5.7)
Liberty Crack (5.10 C2)
Cassin Ridge, Denali (V WI4 5.8)
The Sorcerer in the Ghost River Wilderness, Canada (WI5)
Hydrophobia (WI5+)

Sam Keller · · Mallorca, ES · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 30

My personal list:

Zoroaster Temple in the Grand Canyon
South face of El Cap
Lost Arrow Spire in Yosemite
Ancient Art (but it doesn't look cool from the bottom I just like the exposure @ the top)
Castleton tower (but Sister Superior has a better summit)
The Stawamus Chief
Washington Pass
Mount Kinesava (south face) in Zion
North face of Angels Landing in Zion
Isaac in Zion

This is so subjective but they are my favorites.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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