Potrero John  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  3,600' Lat, Long:  34.5806, -119.2606 Map Page Views:  3,706. Good page?    Administrators:  andy patterson, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  M.Morley on Feb 13, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

BETA PHOTO: Potrero John

Description 

A quarter mile further up the road from Sespe Gorge (Black Wall) lies this 80' cliff sporting a handful of quality sport routes. Bring traditional gear if planning on climbing the solitary trad line, Beginnings (5.5). Also, some supplementary gear (nuts, TCUs) is recommended if leading Menage a Trois (5.10b). A single rope is sufficient to get off all routes.

Historical Background 

Information care of the late Reese Martin: "In 1995 Potero John Wall was retro-bolted with fat 3/8" bolts and additional anchors were added. This turned what had been a collection of runout 1/4" spinner horror-shows, into a friendly and fun place for the moderate climber. All five bolted routes are worthwhile. When you climb the insecure, tricky seam in the middle of the face, Menage a Trois, 5.10b, remember the route was first climbed in EBs and protected only by wired stoppers in 1976 by "Hot" Henry Barber and Yvon Chouinard. The bolts appeared recently. After your day of climbing be sure to check out the numerous swimming holes nearby. There is a great barefoot boulder traverse over the big pool 200 yards upstream. Fall off and you're wet."

Getting There 

1/4 mile up the road from Sespe's main "Black Wall". Park in a dirt turnout and walk down the hillside, across Sespe Creek. Approach time: 5 minutes.

Topo 

From Tradgirl.com (c)Reese Martin 1997

The Classics

Featured Route For Potrero John

Menage a Trois 5.10b PG13  CA : Central Coast : ... : Potrero John

Once again, a very fun route on good rock in an idyllic setting.There is one insecure and poorly protected move before the second bolt. Fall from here and you will not fare well. The Edwards book says to bring small stoppers, but it is not clear where protection can be had at this point....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Potrero John Slideshow

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BETA PHOTO: Potrero John topo 1	BETA PHOTO: Potrero John topo 2	David practices lowering out, on a fixed line at P...
Erica crosses Sespe creek during the high waters o...