Mental Block – 5.11a

Description:

New route in the Grand Canyon area. 20m to the right (north) of “Bottom Line”.

30m, 11 Bolts (2 fixed).

The bottom few meters of the route seem to perpetually seep. Oddly there are holds available that stay dry - don’t let the water turn you away.

Stem and layback up the obvious corner to a chimney and then stem box. Exit the stem box turning around the block out left with tiny feet perched in space. Climb up the headwall slab bumping a right hand up the arete. The final bolt protects the last difficult move, then jugs up the arete to the anchor. (Bolted & FA: Matt Laird, 2025)

Recent Sendage:

  • 5.11a
    2026-05-05
    Incredibly fun climb with a lot going on. I thought the top had a strangely insecure move where you don't expect it. Reid barn doored this part and got pegged by the flakey arete up top
  • 5.10d
    2026-04-30
    This climb is pure fun the entire way.
  • 5.11a
    2026-04-30
    easily one of the best lines in Skaha, killer addition to the area Matt. Worthy of being top 100 for sure.
  • 5.11a
    2025-09-30
    Maybe I was tired but this felt too adventurous for me
  • 5.11a
    2025-09-08
    Surprise runout at the top reminiscent of Victoria Mordor on exposure and position! Exciting finish and great movements up the wall.