Monte Cristo Slab

Crag Info & Crag Facts

The Monte Cristo Slab (MCS) is a unique diorite slab tucked along the west slope of a minor forested ridge crest overlooking a broad sweeping panorama plateau of the fir tree covered South Prairie region near Trout Lake.

The MCS site stewardship prospectus entails proactive teamwork involvement in maintaining the legacy of a long-term value-based site ethos package which today stands as one of the regions notable examples of success through the combined efforts of a dedicated core team.

The Legacy of Stewardship at MCS:

All the hard work is done, and all the routes are fully developed by 'The Group'. Leave your power drill at home. Do not strive to 'squeeze job' more climbs between existing climbs. The present routes are identifiable as lead routes because of the distinct separation.

The stewardship framework for this site encompasses generally similar parameters common to other crags. Some of the MCS rock climbing Stewardship Advisory Group processes include: path access maintenance factors, parking area maintenance factors, coordinated small group outings such as specific site project efforts, anchor program, inter-relations liaison with various regional entities or agencies, and various recreational site specific concepts with long-term strategic awareness and etiquette continuity ideals.

General Etiquette Framework for MCS:

The basics for climbers and parking options:
  •  There is limited parking space so carpool if possible. Do not block the turn-around loop.
  •  Avoid car camping at the parking site. Camp along nearby gravel roads, or use local campgrounds.
  •  Avoid making campfires at the parking area. Making a fire there would be difficult to manage if it got out of control. There is no nearby emergency water to put it out.
  •  Consider limiting your total personal team or party size to 1-20 persons maximum.
  •  All commercial fee-based guiding in this Forest Service district is permit regulated.
Various technical points about the MC slab:
  •  Descend from the cliff top by using designated methods: use the 4th class water-streak descent at the South End (or at the North End of the cliff); or descend using the established 100' rappel routes. Beware of climber's below you.
  •  Preferably only ground-up lead the popular and steep (200'+) headwall rock climbs. Avoid rappelling down those routes (e.g. rope snag and rope drag).
  •  Several minor sections at the top of the cliff (near the trees) have some loose debris. Avoid dragging a rope across those sections. Tread with caution in those areas.
Some basic extraneous points:
  •  Your toilet needs. Find a private pooh spot deep in the forest away from the base of the crag and away from the approach paths.
  •  Consider leaving your pet at home, but if you bring it here keep it controlled (e.g. leashed).
  •  The site has about 4-5 common base areas where folks tend to gather to meet and prepare to climb. The square foot space of each of these areas is narrow so use common courtesy practices.
  •  Do not leave non-degradable trash.
  •  Leave the power drill at home. All the work is done. Enjoy a day of rock climbing at the slab.


For further info and directions:

PRC MCS page

Adventure