Originally commented on this route in the "North Ridge" comments section, then climbed the route again and decided it was worth its own description. The line is pretty obvious--the North face of the White Spire is pretty narrow. The squeezed line goes up the incipient crack (finger pockets). To access, scramble on top of a detached boulder and cruise up the narrow pockets. The line gets the 5.10 grade only if you avoid the tempting jugs and good feet to the right--those are all part of the 5.7 North Ridge line. Kind of slippery, in that the rock is comprised of tiny pebbles cemented together. Fun enough, and unique for the Garden.
Protection
Can and has been led, but for my money it is better as a TR. Placing good pro fills the only available finger pockets.
First lead ascent was by Don Peterson in 1972, followed by Helmut Hussman and Stewart Green. It's best top-roped....
By Bosier Parsons From: Colorado Springs, CO Oct 12, 2008
Another fun variation is to lay-back off the left arete, just left of the crack/seam/piton scars. The lower down you try to start this, the more difficult. Again, good to TR.
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