Crescent Tower, McTech Arete

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Technical climbing info

Mountain: Crescent Tower
Elevation: 2,843m
Route: McTech Arete
Length: 6p
Grade: D, 5.10-

The McTech Arete seems to be one of those ultra-well-known area classics.  When people say Applebee Camp, it feels almost synonymous with these short climbs- Lion’s Way and the McTech Arete.  Everybody up there seem to have these on their current, past, or future lists. The McTech made it to our backup list for a marginal weather day, which happened to come the day after we arrived.  

Climbing on the McTech was a different experience that I had felt than the rest of the area.  While we happened to be the only one on the route for quite some time that morning, I couldn’t help but feel like we were in a craggy vibe.  We could hear people projecting around us, and we were chatting with folks working their way up parallel lines.  As far as alpine cragging goes, the Crescent Towers proved to be “cool”.  But much more importantly, it gives climbers an awe-inspiring view of the massive granite spires that one really comes to the Bugaboos to climb. 

Climbers standing at the base of the distinct arete system.
Working our way up the wonderfully featured granite on pitch 1.
A climber working up the Paddle Flake Arete parallel to us. While these climbs are cool, the spires remind us why we are here.
Looking over to the fantastic Snowpatch and Pigeon Spires.
Bugaboo Spire in the background being undeniable, boasting both its classic Kain Route and NE Ridge.
Looking over at the Crescent Spires, sporting the classic Lion’s Way and Ears Between [links]
Working up the final sections of the climb.

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