North American Classic Climbs

Questa Dome

Questa Direct

Description

Climbers*

Photo*

Date

30L11

30L11

Questa Dome from highway 60, to the West. It doesn't look like much from here, but gains in stature as you approach on the trail.

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GC

9/15/01

30M13

30M13

A representative section of the approach road, which is mercifully short

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GC

"

30L13R

30L13R

The south face of Questa Dome (which is, in fact, the only face - it's really half a dome.) The direct route is marked.

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GC

"

30L14

30L14

About 40' up the first pitch, a tricky corner must be bypassed (5.10-)

RS

GC

"

30L15

30L15

Higher on pitch 1, a long continuous stretch of 5.10- finger cracks is encountered.

RS

GC

"

30L16

30L16

Looking up at the belay on a small pedestal from half-way up pitch 1. There is a single 1/4" bolt at the stance, with gear placements at the feet for the belay anchor.

RS

GC

"

30L17

30L17

Looking down on the follower whimpering his way up pitch 1.

GC

RS

"

30L18

30L18

The view out over the high desert plains of northern New Mexico; San Antonio Mtn on the horizon at right.

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GC

"

30L20

30L20

The first part of the crux pitch 2, comprises difficult small holds and friction with widely spaced protection (5.11)

RS

GC

"

30M01

30M01

Reaching the relative safety of a small crack on pitch 2 relieves the stress level for the leader.

RS

GC

"

30M02

30M02

The second searching in vain for holds on the nearly featureless slab.

GC

RS

"

30M03

30M03

The diagonal crack, where the climbing relents to 5.9 the rest of the way to the anchor.

GC

RS

"

30M04

30M04

Leading pitch 3, which starts with a step-down, then a traverse to the right to gain a long dihedral.

GC

RS

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30M05

30M05

Looking back at the belayer from the traverse on pitch 3.

RS

GC

"

30M06

30M06

At the crux of pitch 3, a step-across to a good crack (5.10-)

GC

RS

"

30M08

30M08

Following the last bit of pitch 3 up to a hanging belay under the roof. This stretch is 5.9.

RS

GC

"

30M09

30M09

Leading the roof, a short but very strenuous bit of well-protected climbing (5.11-.)

RS

GC

"

30M10

30M10

The belay just above the roof.

RS

GC

"

30M11

30M11

Fun but very easy (5.2) climbing takes you to the top on giant chickenheads, sills, and dikes.

GC

RS

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