Solitude Ledge

Just down the road from the Pothole Trail parking lot lies a steep face of rock dropping into the river. Depending on the water level, a large room sized ledge provides movement at the base. The climbing here is first rate, but the rap in climb out nature of the area ups the ante, making these routes less visited. The nearest gawkers will be atop the Witches Hat on the Minnesota side.

Access:  Park at the Pothole Trail Parking lot and walk down the road towards the river. On the right side will be a stone wall. Walk through the opening in the wall and follow a thin path 25 yards down river. When you come to a clear area above the cliff, Skin of Rod’s Teeth should be below you. Rap in from the top. A fixed line is recommended. NOTE: The cliff top was cleared of vegetation fall of 99 (suspected reason: a better view for drivers). Suitable anchors are now more difficult to set up than previous.

	Crossover Artist	5.12
30 yards north of "Skin" this climb takes the tallest route possible on the wall. Conquering three distinct sections, the 2nd being the crux.
1	Skin of Rod's Teeth +++	5.10+
One of the Interstate Park classics. A small overhanging mantel leads to 25 feet of ten degrees past vertical crack climbing. Rumor has it that Rod Johnson, owner of Midwest Mountaineering, took a whipper with the rope still in his teeth here.
2	Edge Lane ++	5.11-
The crux comes at the bottom, while the top is wonderful on this sharp arete.
3	Thrombus	5.9
If you like off width, welcome to flavor country. A flaring crack just around the corner from Skin of Rod’s Teeth provides a valid but burly means of escape.
4	Triple Mantel	5.9+
Three mantels in one climb, the last being the crux.
5	Mental Physics ++	5.10+
Probably the best finger crack in the park.  The exit mantel is the crux.
	Hand Jive	5.10 / 5.12
Climb the corner to the right of Mental Physics. The direct route being 5.12.
6	Chossy and Mossy	5.6 J2
The moderate escape route.  Gross enough to deserve a jungle rating