FEATURES

GALLERY And now for something completely different: the 2010 Bouldering World Cup in Vail, CO. By Caroline Treadway

SKYLADDERS Far above timberline, these are the proudest rock climbs in North America. They will rivet your attention and inspire wild dreams of alpine glory. Think you’re up for it? Surprise — most check in at about 5.8. Story and photos by Kennan Harvey

UNDER ANGEL WINGS California’s High Sierra is littered with pristine boulders, some located so far out in the backcountry that no one would ever hike in the pads needed to climb them. Or would they? By Shawn Diamond • Photos by Damon Corso

THE ONE THING What one thing most helped you improve? That’s the question answered by 10 of America’s top rock climbers. By Dave Sheldon • Photos by Andrew Mann

SAWTOOTH DAYDREAM Join the author in his quest to fulfi ll a fantasy as two strong teams of women tick the burly classics of the Elephant’s Perch in Idaho. Story and photos by James Q Martin

DEPARTMENTS

Contributors James Q Martin, Mark Fisher, Shawn Diamond, Kate Nelson

Editorial Paying homage to the high country

Letters

Just OutGear you'll need to survive the conditions of the alpine, plus a full-size crash pad that can go anywhere

Tech TipsBe Prepared: Have a "what-if" plan for alpine Technique: Improve your sport climbing (and you don't even have to train harder)

Whipped ... and benched. Anatomy of the injured psyche

Ten Things...You didn't know about granite

2010 Shoe ReviewIt all happens here, where the rubber meets your dreams. Thirty shoes, field-tested.

Classic ClimbsThe Simply-Burly – no, correction: the Stanley-Burgner. Prusik Peak, Washington

Mileage Tetons cragging – cable-car style

Anchored Black Hills benefactor Mike Cronin

Perspective The guiding spirit: Rod Newcomb