Huong shows her flexibility as she high-steps the ...
Description
A true Sandrock trad classic, Comfortably Numb is long, pumpy and exposed. It's a great challenge for bold leaders, but many like to set it up as a toprope. A 60-meter rope is a must.
Starting in the center of the wall, climb a slabby face with little opportunity for pro; you may be able to place a tiny cam before you get to a fixed pin about 40' up, just below an overhang/bulge. Pull through the overhang on good holds to a spacious ledge and catch your breath, then head up through a shallow roof and continue up the steep face on great holds and plentiful gear placements to the top. Sit back at the anchors and enjoy the view of the valley below while your breathing returns to normal.
Location
Starts on the south side of the Pinnacle, in the middle of the face. Many like to toprope belay from a flat-topped rock outcropping some 40' above and right of the start (don't fall!).
Protection
Lots of small to medium gear (nuts, cams, tricams); one fixed pin. Open shuts for anchors.
By Brian Waters From: Ogden, UT Jan 19, 2007 rating: 5.9
This is about as classic as it gets at SR. The old Dixie Cragger gives it 5.9, which I agree with. The crux is a couple moves thru the steep section at the top of the slab, above what seems to be a good piton.
By Jeff Mekolites From: HOTlanta, GA Mar 13, 2007 rating: 5.9
This makes for an exciting and spicy lead at Sandrock.
By saxfiend Administrator From: Atlanta, GA Aug 31, 2008
I finally got up the nerve to lead Comfortably Numb, and it was hugely satisfying! The initial slab section is run out for sure, but it's easy climbing (maybe 5.6), and I managed to get in a 00 TCU about 30' up. The upper section stays on you, but you can work against the pump factor by finding strategic rests.
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