Prince of Thieves 8A by Isabelle Gibbs

Isabelle Libbe has done Prince of Thieves (8A) in Joe's Valley (UT). "Mentally demanding more than physically. Probably light in the grade but it suited me well. Regardless, a stellar section of rock."

What is your climbing background?
I grew up in the Midwest climbing indoors. Competed in the youth series but never got great results. At 18 I started sport climbing outside a lot, mostly in the Red River Gorge. This past fall I sent my first 8b+ route, Omaha Beach. I recently moved to Los Angeles and have been checking out all the climbing areas out west. I’ve generally focused on sport climbing but recently have tried to progress in bouldering so decided to spend two weeks in Joe’s Valley.

Could you please say something about how you took down your first 8A?
On the first day of the trip, I sent my first 7C+. The last couple of days of the trip I started trying Prince of Thieves. Perfect sandstone crimps up a tall face to an insecure top out with a bad landing and friction slab to finish. It fit my style well except for the fear factor. I bailed off the top my first day not able to commit. On the third day I tried the moves on top rope and sent first go from the ground. One of the best in Joe’s and my hardest boulder to date!