Volcanic Tablelands (Happies/Sads)

The Owens Valley meets the Volcanic Tablelands

Description 

Just north of Bishop the floor of the Owens Valley rises abruptly forming a 300 foot-high volcanic plateau that runs for miles from east to west. Along the southern tip numerous canyons containing thousands of boulders can be found slicing into and through the plateau, including the two that make up the Happy and Sad bouldering areas. It's truly a climber's playground.

This area is often referred to as 'The Mesa' to locals...

Getting There 

From US 395 in Bishop, take US 6 north out of town towards Benton/Chalfant/Tonopah. After 1.3 miles, turn left on Five Bridges Rd. Follow this down the straightaway around the left-hand curve, past the Aggregate Plant to a 4-way intersection where the pavement turns to dirt. Take a left on Chalk Bluff Rd. for the Happy and Sad Boulders. Turn right on Fish Slough Rd. for the Fish Slough Boulders.

The Classics

Featured Route For Volcanic Tablelands (Happies/Sads)

T-Crack Right V1 R  CA : Sierra Eastside : ... : Upper Canyon

Just as good as it's twin, but interestingly the top-out doesn't seem quite as high... even though it is, due to the slope of the ground. Stand-start on the slanting edges and move up left into the finger crack. Climb the crack with good locks (crux) to the good rest at the "Intersection" at 18 feet. Traverse right for 12 feet on good holds in the secure rail and exit around the arete....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Volcanic Tablelands (Happies/Sads) Slideshow

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The south end of the Tablelands, looking west towa...	An evening session in the Tablelands. self-portra...	The Volcanic Tablelands
Looking north at the Tablelands plateau, viewed fr...	The Volcanic Tablelands, just north of Bishop	Looking down from the Sads towards Bishop.
KK on a superb lip traverse on the 'Orgasm Boulder...	Don't mess with the locals...	The late, great Nate Bowe on 'Tim's Prow' v4, Coun...
Nate Bowe on 'El Hueco de Hunta' v5, County Line B...	The Tablelands from the south, and the White Mount...	Nate Bowe on 'The Wave', Tablelands
Andy Patari in the Tablelands	Happies