PRINT: Rock Climb Mental As Anything, Safe Harbor

Mental As Anything

5.9+, Sport,

Avg: 3.1 from 154 votes
FA: Eric Hörst, Lisa Hörst
Pennsylvania > S Central PA > Safe Harbor > Safe Harbor South > k. Hydroman Sector

Description

Slabby face climbing with ample protection. Fun moves: chances for high steps, hand and foot matches, hidden fingertip pockets, tiny edges and nubs for the toes. A more sustained challenge than other Safe Harbor 5.9s like Adopted Son, Tonga and SH Direct.

I went with Eric Horst's grade of 5.9+, though a Rock and Ice article (from around the 1990s?) called it a 5.10a. Hard 9 or easy 10 are both accurate enough for the subjective YDS.

Protection

5 bolts to an anchor at the bottom of the rock outcrop on top (where Hydroman ends above and to the right).

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Nearing the anchors on Mental As Anything

Getting ready to start the traverse

Reaching for finger pockets after pulling the double mantle move onto the sloped ledge

Fun layback moves halfway up the route

Crushing the second crux on Mental As Anything first day back on the rock after quarantine. Felt awesome

Top Roping

Bolts follow rope on the left

Jacob

Mental as Anything and surrounding climbs

Kristin tiptoes up Mental as Anything.

Mental As Anything (left line), Hydroman (middle) and Crossroads (right).

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Larry S
Easton, PA

5.9

This is a great route, on of my favorites at safe harbor. Fun thoughtful moves the whole way. Jan 29, 2013

Paul H
Pennsylvania

5.9+

Fun and challenging climb. Very safe falls if leading May 5, 2013

Andy Moss
Portland, OR

5.9

Fun climbing on moderate terrain, but not bolted with the welfare of someone new to the sport in mind. I'd disagree with the May 5, 2013, comment - there's ground fall potential if you get scared or are at the top of your grade. Oct 20, 2013

Tim Schafstall
Newark, DE

5.10a

Regarding ground fall potential: it is not that great a threat. You can easily clip the 2nd bolt from a good ledge and you can always use the stick. You can also get some gear between bolts 2 and 3 if that helps your mental state. Great moves on great rock. Mar 28, 2019

Nathan Regouski
Landenberg

5.9+

Great route with an interesting side-pull walk-up half way. Fun fist-jam near the top. Run out between 3rd and 4th bolts. Not a risk of ground fall but could take a good 15 or more foot whipper on slab if you pulling the side-pull walking up the lip to the 4th bolt. There really is not great options to put a piece of pro between 3rd and 4th. Clinch your buttcheeks and hope for the best. Mar 15, 2020

Chris Sands
Newark, DE

5.9+

see a lot of people get stumped by the opening move lol - clip the first bolt from low, get your hands on the quartz-y jug and mantle/ hand-foot match up to a good stance. you can even use a tiny 2 finger pocket for balance if needed. Mar 28, 2020

Joby OBrien

5.10a

3rd to 4th bolt is pretty run-out but not a risk of decking. Super fun climb, and would recommend. Apr 22, 2020

whiskeygirl 98

5.10a

This is absolutely my favorite route at Safe Harbor. With multiple cruxes, technical moves, tiny holds, great flow, and clean falls, for me there's nothing better. Definitely on the 5.10a side in my opinion Sep 20, 2020

I F
Megalopolis Adjacent

5.9+

A bit thin and a bit bold. This climb might be the best at safe harbor for the grade. Oct 4, 2020

Alex Economu

Echoing what many others have said - this is a fantastic climb that earns its grade. It has great moves, clean falls, and a lovely traverse. Might be slightly easier for the taller people. I can typically grab the second bolt with my longer stick clip. Oct 17, 2021