Lieback 

We've been rating this 5.10 for a long, long time, and after untold laps on all of the routes on Practice Rock think "Lieback" is definitely is harder than the route you call "Thin Crack" which is listed as 9+. Also, what is listed here as "Left Crack" is more like 5.8 than 5.9. I've been known to sandbag a bit, but I think more accurate ratings for Practive Rock routes left to right are 5.8, 5.9. 5.11, 5.10.

This is a great introductory route to Boulder Canyon, as a top rope can be set up, and trad may also be used. Be careful not to get your rope stuck under the slab or it may tear/fray ... poor rope.

This is a fun, pumpy route. Definitely not 5.9-. I agree with Brad on the 5.10 rating.

A great climb. Good climbers make it look easy, while the rest of us make it look like a grunt. 10a.

Forget the "wide" gear.

Start with a yellow Alien, pump up to a #3 Camalot in a fat slot, then stuff a #4 up there JUST BEFORE the flake gets superwide, then walk out that lieback around the corner, baby. It's pumptastic, but the friction-friendly feet are better than they look from the ground. And it's a hell'ave-a trip wondering out that far up and left above good gear. Great for head strength. Bring some finger cams for the 5.8 scrambling at the top out.

As for me, I held and had to lower. Needed to psyche up hard before I could re-climb and send.

And? This is pretty F'in pumpy for 10a. I'm usually one to grade DOWN (see "Left Crack), but this one I call it a solid 10b, even though the magic is short lived.

Q: Anyone know why--in Boulder Canyon, of all places--there aren't anchors above these lines? The tree pendulum anchor is kinda nasty....