[aigel]

I think it is not a terrible climb. Done it many times. That said, if I had a young teen kid, I would put him or her into a harness with a 20 foot rope that ends on a karabiner. You can go out ahead, secure him to the steel rope and then have him follow, only allowing him to climb while he is secured. I have seen many parents do this. Chances are slim that anything happens, but if you slip and fall off that face, you are definitely going to be dead. Don't forget that this last climb comes after a pretty tough hike - you may not be as fresh as you were getting out of the car. I would not want to face a falling risk with a kid even if it is 1:10^10 chance. Murphy never sleeps IMHO.

He or she may think you are being an idiot and embarrass him or her, but they will understand later in life, when they have their own at the latest. IF nothing else, it will be helpful if he or her locks up with an anxiety attack. I have seen that a lot too. Folks get half way up and suddenly freeze and have to get talked down for hours!

Coming down one time half way down the cables, my sunscreen fell out of my backpack and I watched it. That sure made an impression. It bounced off the face which gets increasingly steep with the fall - until I could not see it any more. Many seconds - shudder!

Have fun, it is a great hike.

G