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GPS: 43.84153, -103.54565
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 21,483 total · 84/month
Shared By: John Gill on Feb 19, 2003 · Updates
Admins: Peter Gram, Greg Parker, Mikel Madsen, Mark Rafferty

Description Suggest change

There are at least three traditional (ground up) routes on this rock. The first is the long downhill side, climbed by Dave Rearick and the Conns in the late 1950s. Dave carried a drill bit and a stud and hanger with him, but was not forced to use it for protection. The route is about 5.6. The second is around the corner to the right and ascends the left side of the steep face that overhangs the parking lot. Start on the left side of this face and move several feet up to a shallow groove, then to the top. It's about 5.8, if I recall correctly. The third is my unrehearsed 1961 free solo route up the slightly overhanging face to the right of route #2. It took me several visits before getting up the nerve to top out. At the time 5.10 was the top of the scale, and it was years later that this climb was recognized as the first 5.12. The second ascent (in the style of the FA) was about 1987. John Sherman made an ascent in 1991 (see "Stone Crusade"). It has seen some top ropes, but, thankfully, no bolts. This was the climb that some say marked a turning point in the popularity of bouldering.

Getting There Suggest change

Sits below the Needles Eye, on the edge of the parking lot. About 30 feet high (above the parking lot).

2 Total Climbs

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Location: The Thimble Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at The Thimble

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R
 26
The Thimble (Backside)
Trad
5.12 7b+ 27 VIII+ 26 E6 6b V5 6C
 5
The Thimble
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
The Thimble (Backside)
 26
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R Trad
The Thimble
 5
5.12 7b+ 27 VIII+ 26 E6 6b V5 6C Boulder
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