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Mt Clark Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Mt Clark

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Northwest Arete T 4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b

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Elevation:	11,522 ft
GPS:	37.69631, -119.42857 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	7,340 total · 76/month
Shared By:	Richard Shore on May 20, 2016 · Updates
Admins:	Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Latest updates on closures, permits, and regulations. Details

Please visit climbingyosemite.com/ and nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/… for the latest information on visiting Yosemite, including permits, regulations, and closure information.

Yosemite National Park has yearly closures for Peregrine Falcon Protection March 1- July 15. Always check the NPS website at nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/… for the most current details and park alerts, and to learn more about the peregrine falcon, and how closures help it survive. This page also shares closures and warnings due to current fires, smoke, etc.

Description

Standing as the namesake peak in the Clark Range, the mountain was named after Yosemite's first caretaker - Galen Clark. Visible from most of the Tuolumne high country, the narrow blade of the NW-SE summit ridge likely gave rise to the peak's nickname "The Obelisk." A number of easy scrambles exist, and of particular interest to the climber are the exposed Northwest Arete (cl.4) and the Southeast Arete (cl.3-4), listed as one of the 100 Classic Climbs of the High Sierra by Moynier & Fiddler. The peak has excellent rock quality, with golden polish, chickenheads, and clean cracks.

Getting There

2 different approaches exist for Mt Clark.
One can hike from the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley up the Mist Trail, then through Little Yosemite Valley, past Bunnell Point & Cascade and then cross country up open slabs and dense forest to the base of the NW arete direct. Significant elevation gain (7500' to summit!), but shorter mileage.

Alternatively, for a longer but more relaxed approach, head out from Glacier Point on the Mono Meadow trailhead towards Merced Pass, following the Clark Fork of Grey Creek eastward. Pass Mt Starr King on it's south side en route.

Carefully study a topographic map before starting out on either approach. For most parties this will be a multiday endeavor, and permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry - check the NPS website for details.