A large solid rock block, Rope-de-Dope sits on its own before crossing the river--a favorite hangout area for classes and beginners.
With routes starting at 5.5, up to 5.10b, you often see young families teaching the next generation how to trust the gear.
Easy to get to, stay on the gravel Canyon Trail after the paved area at the overlook runs out, and fork to the left for about .25 miles.
Staying at The Bivy? Follow the short and steep Rope-de-Dope Trail as it comes around the backside of the rock and down a set of wooden stairs.
A shady place to hang for most of the day, its an ideal spot to kick back and learn to climb.
climbers on Rope-De-Dope at Smith Rock State Park
Practice on these and graduate to the other side of the river: (All are rated 3-star in Alan Watts' Guidebook, with * noting a 4-star)
5.7:
How Low Can You Go sport, 5 bolts, 1 pitch
5.8:
Shamu sport, 6 bolts, 1 pitch
Rope-de-Dope Crack trad, gear to 3 inches, 1 pitch
5.9:
Mini Bender sport, 4 bolts, 1 pitch
5.10:
Morgantown 5.10a sport, 5 bolts, 1 pitch
Sleepy Town 5.10a sport, 5 bolts, 1 pitch
Float Like a Butterfly 5.10b sport, 5 bolts, 1 pitch
Sting Like a Bee 5.10b sport, 5 bolts, 1 pitch
climbing areas
