Zuni Needle, Gallup Area. Mike Baker and I made the first ascent of this beautiful 250-foot tower on April 7 and 8. Mike led a long pitch with a short section of 5.10. A second short lead (5.8) put us on a ledge two-thirds of the way up the tower. We rappelled off double ropes. The following day, after jümaring to the high point, I led a beautiful, overhanging A2 seam that quickly turned into 5.6 face-climbing. The descent required two double-rope rappels. We placed five drilled angles for rappel anchors and three knifeblades. (III, 5.10, A2, 3 pitches.)

Cameron M. Burns