BETA PHOTO: Mid Dome from just above the Pacific Crest Trail. ...
Description
This wide 250 high granite dome is mostly a slab, though there are some vertical and overhung sections inside of large depressions in the dome. This rock has some cracks and features, but is mostly a miniscule crimp fest. Climbing is mostly Traditional, with some mixed climbs, and run out "sport" climbs that are pretty much solos with or without a rope.
This rock faces south, and sits just below the flagpole peak, so it is in the sun almost all day. As a result, the bright and dark rock can get quite hot, and is often very slippery.
All routes descend via a walkoff the Northwest side into the loose slippery gully.
Getting There
Approach time: 25 - 40 minutes.
From the parking lot, head around the lake via the Pacific Crest Trail. Walk past Echo Edge, which is the first large cliff in view. Continue on the trail for about 1 1/4 miles, where you will see a dome come into view with other cliffs set behind it (Corkscrew Area and Flagpole Peak). You can't mistake flagpole peak, since it does have a flag and flagpole set on top, which are clearly in view when visibility allows.
If you can't see the flag, you probably shouldn't be climbing due to weather.
Look for a rock that has a pair of vertical black streaks, and another black streak all in view at once. Climb up to the rock using one of various small paths leading to the climbs, which are mostly on the left side of the wide rock.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Mid Dome:
Print a Mini-Guide - Includes Routes!
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