Walk of Shame

Having used the "Walk of Shame" to get back to the rim on my last three out of four trips to the Black, I feel like I'm well qualified to give the Beta. The Walk, essentially, is the Cruise Gully in reverse.

An inevitable precursor to the "Walk of Shame" is to first bail off your route of choice; how high you climb before you do this is totally up to you. Last time down I was so eager to do The Walk that I lowered off a piece halfway up the first pitch.

Once safely back on terra firma below North Chasm View Wall, head back into the Cruise Gully, battling slippery boulders, loose scree and poison ivy. Notice the parties climbing swiftly and confidently on the walls above you: Don't they look happy?

This is not for you. Keep walking.

At the base of the first rappel, move right into a decomposing gully/chimney (5.4). Step left at the top, passing the rappel chains (grab the fixed line if it's in place), to get back into the main gully. VS with no rope, perhaps S if you lead it. Classic.

Walk up about 150 feet to the base of the second rappel. Climb the slippery, dirt-covered chimney until you can either step right or left (exposed) onto easier ground. Wander up ledgy territory until you're just below the chain anchors, where a delectable mantel move (5.5) gets you over the hump. VS, again, with no rope. Probably semi-safe with one. Ultra-classic.

Continue up mixed (dirt, scree, talus) terrain to the Rim, and the campground. You've really earned that beer ... boy, howdy!

Sell rack on E-Bay and/or go to Rifle.

Rope, rack, shirt on your back.