The South Face of Owens Ridge from the approach, s...
Description
Owens Ridge has traditionally been described by it's numbered rocks. From the parking area, the view to the north is of the South Faces of Rocks I, II, and III. Looking to the west, the large white wall higher up the canyon is Easter Wall.
Numerous moderate routes exist on the South Face of Owens Ridge, and routes also have been put up on the walls on either side of the notches and saddles between the rocks and on the huge North Face of Owens Ridge. Most of these routes were put up in the 1960s and 70s and now see very few repeats.
The rock is granite of a generally low quality, adding an element of excitement (and risk) to any climb. Fixed gear is all suspect, including old fixed pins and buttonhead bolts. Much of the rock, including the rock on established routes, will break off if pulled out, and each foot placement should be "scrubbed" with your toe to remove loose grains before relying on the hold.
High-level route descriptions are available in Sally Moser and Greg Vernon's "Southern Sierra Rock Climbing: Domelands," now out of print, but still available online.
Getting There
The South Face of Owens Ridge is accessed by driving to the parking area for the Owens Peak Trail, as described in the Indian Wells Canyon area entry.
from the parking area, walk down into the bottom of the canyon, then climb about 1,000 feet on loose soil and talus up ridges and along game trails to get to the rock, always aiming for your intended route.
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