Doing the deed - installing the rap station on the...
Description
[The Point is a prominent summit on the west side of Echo Canyon, opposite the Bush Shark Spire area. Its 5.7 Ramp Route sees regular traffic, and its south summit (the Rudder) has had some recent route development.]
The Rudder is flanked from the south by the top of the Ramp Route and to the N-NW by Science Friction Wall and the Point summit. It is located in the gully of the Ramp's exit.
This is an excellent option to beat the heat in the summer as the Sandias has relatively few shaded East-facing areas. It also may be a good option in the colder months as it receives early morning sun hit and is fairly protected from the west prevailing winds.
The rock is mainly good to very good on the established climbs.
Getting There
[The Point's Ramp Route and Hummingbird route are best approached by following the faint trail down the east side of Echo Canyon to about Bush Shark Spire, then cutting across the Talus to the Ramp. You can also bushwhack down the west side of Echo Canyon.]
Three suggested approaches to the Rudder:
1) Climb the Ramp Route and approach via the treed traverse to where the gully chokes off.
2) Climb the Ramp Route and then continue for another pitch of climbing up the Rudder and rap from the Rudder anchor station.
3) Hike down to the Y intersection and hike west from the saddle and veer to the south , staying below the summit of the Point by 60-80 feet and locate some cairns on the east face of the Point. Scramble to the farthest south and east to locate the Bolted rap anchors of Runnel Runner (the exit route). A 60m rope is mandatory to reach the ground - you'll have to move left to make it. Otherwise, a 70 is preferred (or two 50s). One party had some heartache with the 60 when they stayed in plumb line.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for The Ramp Area:
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