Robinson Bluff | Missouri | April 2023
Jeff Setchfield on Titos Arete 5.10b | Sony a6400 - ISO 100, 22mm, f/10, 1/160
Earn $30 toward your next purchase when you become a lifelong REI Co op member!
Spring has sprung at Robinson Bluff Climbing just outside of Tiff, Missouri. Being only an hour-ish south of St. Louis, Robinson Bluff has quickly become our local outdoor climbing crag. We headed down on a beautiful spring morning to climb several routes on the Picasso Wall just as the green of the leaves was really starting to pop.
The Picasso Wall at Robinson Bluff
Ryan Wittich on Drifter 5.11a/b | Sony a6400 - ISO 100, 23mm, f/7.1, 1/100
The crew consisted of Dakota Hornbeck, Ryan Wittich, Jeff Setchfield, Jace Lane, John Gillis - the normal Upper Limits climbing gym crew - and we had two first-time outdoor climbers, Cole and Chris. Dakota, Ryan, Jace started things off with the stout Drifter 5.11a/b (60ft, 18m) for their warm-up climb while the rest of us kept things a bit easier on Imagined Landscapes 5.7 (50ft, 15m).
Next we moved right on the Picasso Wall to tackle Crimson Wonder 5.10b (70ft, 21m) and Combo Number 5 5.10a/b. Both of these routes feel a bit more difficult than the 5.10a/b grading they have. The crux on both is a tricky little roof you have to navigate five to six bolts up. Like any route in sport climbing, if you have the beta locked in you can send, but all of us struggled and took some takes to navigate through.
The final climb of the day for me - because I had to get back to STL to attend my first STL City MLS game, which was awesome - was Titos Arete 5.10b (80ft, 24m) the left most route on the Picasso Wall. This is a beautiful route that proudly stands out at the beginning of the crag. The first 3 bolts are definitely where the 5.10b grade comes from as you navigate the arete. Once you’re through that section a series of 5.7 selves, but occasionally spicy run-outs, take you to the top.
I climbed this route on lead, which was great and a bit nerve wracking. Had to take 2 takes on the arete, but I’ll definitely be back to get the send!
John Gillis on Titos Arete 5.10b | Sony a6400 - ISO 100, 25mm, f/11, 1/25
Once again a great day of climbing at Robinson Bluff. I’m so grateful there is great outdoor climbing within an hour of St. Louis. And even more grateful to have this great crew of friends to climb with!
Ryan Wittich on Ain't No Thing But A Chicken Wing 5.8 | Sony a 6400 - ISO 100, 16mm, f/9, 1/125
My Essential Outdoor Rock Climbing Gear
Edelrid Jay Harness - Mens
My gym and crag harness.
Petzl GRIGRI Belay Device
GRIGRI is essential protection when belaying.
Black Diamond Mens Focus Rock Climbing Shoes
My current rock climbing shoe.
My Additional Climbing Gear and Clothing
Outdoor Climbing Gear
Climbing Clothing
I find these clothes to be light, breathable, easy to move in, and protective from the sun.
Camera and Filming Gear
DISCLAIMER: These links are affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission which helps me out and is no cost to you! Thank you for supporting my journey.