BETA PHOTO: Higher Cathedral Rock (composite), as seen from Hi...
Description
Higher Cathedral Rock is a beautiful, large formation perched uphill from Middle Cathedral. Although it's a bit of an uphill hike to get to, compared to some other routes in the Valley, the lack of other climbers, and the views are well worth the hoof. The two most popular routes on HCR are probably the NE Buttress (5.9), a long and varied route often described as the "best 5.9 in the Valley", and Braille Book (5.8), a really nice moderate six-pitch route on the left side of the formation.
Getting There
Higher Cathedral Rock is the leftmost of the three Cathedral Rocks, found just south across the valley from El Capitan.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Higher Cathedral Rock:
The Northeast Buttress of Higher Cathedral Rock has a reputation for being a fantastic climb -- Don Reid refers to it as one of the best grade IV's in the Valley, and SuperTopo raves about its 5-star quality. Most people I've spoken with who have climbed it enjoyed the route but didn't necessarily go on and on about it. Personally, I thought the climb was average in quality and less than the spectacular classic it is made out to be. The NEB ha...[more]Browse More Classics in CA
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