North America, United States, Arizona, Earth Angel, Long Canyon

Publication Year: 1976.

Earth Angel, Long Canyon. In the spring of 1974 Ross Hardwick and I found and climbed the largest of the sandstone towers yet ascended in the Sedona-Oak Creek area. Earth Angel is a lofty 800-foot beauty poised against a secluded canyon wall several miles north of Sedona. The eight-pitch route follows obvious cracks and chimneys up the tower’s front. The sixth pitch is noteworthy, as here one is faced with a layback or with tunneling behind a gigantic pillar ominously late for its date with the forces of gravity. Either alternative leads one to a secure ledge above the pillar. Descent was via five rappels down the north side. NCCS IV, F10.

Scott Baxter, Sindicato Granítico