Paramount Climbing with Sam

Published on 2026-11-11 by Michael Stanton

Sam and I headed to Paramount for my first time there. We got right on Stratosphere (5.8). I led the first pitch of fun, easy climbing. Sam led the really wonderful second pitch. On following I noticed that the left edge of the big flake over the belay is crumbly. Strange! But other than that, the route was solid. It was so much fun we rapped down the back side and did it again, this time reversing the leads.

After this we went over to Aerial Boundaries (5.9). What an incredible route. It is intimidating because some of the bolts are widely spaced, however, the incut edges and holds are secure enough. The final move is bold...so much air beneath you! For a short route, it packs a real punch. Sam did a great lead of it, then he pulled the rope and I did a lead with the draws in place.

We accidentally called Barbara while gearing up, which was fun.

Next we top-roped the route to the right, Aerial Fantasy (5.9+). Extremely fun, with two real cruxes...the first at a thin part in the middle of the route. The second near the end, but I found the Thank God hold. Sam took a run on that, then TR'd the trad line "Slow and Easy" (5.7) on the left of the edge. I then did one more TR of Aerial Fantasy, and we headed to town for a beer.

Thanks Sam! Good times.

Sam on P2 of Stratosphere

Michael following P1

Michael leading P2

Me looking down from P2

Sam on Aerial Boundaries

Michael on Aerial Boundaries. Aerial Fantasy is just to the right