North America, United States, Utah, Zion National Park, Big Bend Gendarme, Mean High Tide

Publication Year: 2003.

Big Bend Gendarme, Mean High Tide. This route climbs the obvious crack system on the southwest face, facing the Big Bend shuttle stop. It can be recognized by the rubble stack in the fifth-pitch chimney. It reaches the top of the spirelike formation in six pitches, with lots of wide climbing. The fourth, Banana Pitch, is reportedly a “go for it” pitch. Begin descending using two sets of rap anchors left of the route, then continue by rapping the route. First ascent by Joe French and Brody Greere, Spring 2001; FFA Joe French, Nate Brown, and Dan Carson, fall 2001 (IV 5.10+).

Eric Draper