climbing. The pillars have a slightly sloped incline, making balancing and standing much easier for climbers. However, The Wall is an almost vertical ascent. It also makes the effort more difficult because of its much longer route lengths. The pillars are relatively short compared to the towering wall. The most challenging route on The Wall is Tendonitis, rated at 5.10d. Its almost smooth surface and lack of foot- and handholds are a real challenge. Finger pockets and smearing are all that a climber gets on this longest route. However, lucky for the climbers, the first half is a chimney, so at the top of it is a resting location for climbers to sit and rest before continuing up the other half to the top-most point on the wall. The Wall Total Routes: 20 Lowest Rating: 5.4 (Gutter Ball, arete on, top rope) Highest rating: 5.10d (Tendonitis, sport/top rope) Easiest Lead: No need to lead for most of these, there is a path going up to the top of the wall for hikers. Climbers can reach over the edge to most anchors. Pillar #1 Total Routes: 9 Lowest Rating: 5.4 (Potty Training/The Ladder, arete on, top rope/trad gear) Highest Rating: 5.7 (Voodoo Doll, arete off, sport(2 bolts)/top rope) Easiest Lead: 5.5 (Bolts From Heaven, arete on, 7 bolts) Pillar #2 Total Routes: 8 Lowest Rating: 5.8+ (Crown of Thorns, arete off, top rope/trad gear) Highest Rating: 5.11a (Nemesis, arete off, sport(2 bolts)/top rope) Easiest Lead: 5.8+ (McKenna/The Crack, 2 bolts) Pillar #3 Pillar #3 was previously only trad gear accessible. However, as of July 2006, bolts have been placed, so it can probably now be sport climbed. Until climbing is regular on this pillar, though, it will be treated with traditional gear only routes and ratings. Total Routes: 6 Lowest Rating: 5.8+ (Cary's Route, arete off, trad gear only) Highest Rating: 5.10c (Blair Witch, arete off, trad gear only) Easiest Lead: Unknown Climbing areas of the United States Sports venues in Richmond, Virginia