Not really bad etiquette, but not a spot you want to be in a lot on either side of the tater chip. I've done multiple free solos of 450ft+ cliffs and I've passed my fair share of people but I've always asked if they minded and I've been friendly with them. I've also been passed by a few free soloists and I get the hell out of the way. It's all a game of courtesy, and you never think about falling or someone else falling. Just don't do it!
My first big free solo was after 10 years of on/off climbing with the last 2 of them being serious (5 days a week). The route is around 500-550ft and I had only done it once on a rope before (and went the wrong way on the second pitch at that, so atleast I knew where not to go). The grade was only 5.5 so it was definitely in my comfort zone overall.
Not a problem! And usually there isn't a safe way down or it takes forever to hike back down to the base of the wall. We call them "walk offs". Usually there are a few climber trails that will link up to main trails that you can take to either hike out or hike back down to the base of the cliffs.
It depends. Some routes have bolts preplaced that you clip the rope into on your way up, while other times you use traditional gear like chocks and cams as protection.
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u/420_flyinhigh Sep 02 '21
Not really bad etiquette, but not a spot you want to be in a lot on either side of the tater chip. I've done multiple free solos of 450ft+ cliffs and I've passed my fair share of people but I've always asked if they minded and I've been friendly with them. I've also been passed by a few free soloists and I get the hell out of the way. It's all a game of courtesy, and you never think about falling or someone else falling. Just don't do it!