North America, United States, California, Yosemite Valley, The Sentinel, Direct North Face, Free Ascent

Publication Year: 1996.

The Sentinel, Direct North Face, Free Ascent. In early October I began a two-week effort to free the Sentinel. Grant Farquar (UK), Steve Jeunavene, and one other person came to belay on the first six pitches. Kevin Thaw led pitch seven and 10. I led all the other pitches over the first two weeks of October, 1994. Bolts were placed to back up existing bolts on belays. No bolts were placed otherwise. Pitches three and six were aided and cleaned of moss, loose rock, etc., before being free climbed. All the other pitches were freed on sight. It is now possible to rappel off the Sentinel as rappel rings were placed on this route. The free rating is V 5.12a.

Adam Wainwright, Alpine Climbing Group