Yearly raptor closures typically begin March 1 and remain in effect until August 1, or until further notice.
Beginning March 1, 2012: Lower Merced Canyon. Closure includes "Super Nova" and extends west to all climbing routes on all sides of the Rostrum. The "Jungle Gym" area remains open. Slack-lining is prohibited at the summit and the top of the adjacent cliff.
This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.
The following areas are closed to all visitor use to protect peregrine falcon aeries from March 1 until August 1 of each year or until the young falcons of the current year have fledged: Fifi Buttress Immediately west of Leaning Tower. Closure includes all routes on Fifi Buttress.
This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.
The Rostrum is a beautiful pillar of gray rock with sheer orange sections and beautiful crack systems. It is visable directly across from the Reed's Pinnacle area and is distinguishable by it's blocky summit. The climb to do is The North Face (5.11c), commonly called "The Rostrum," but also Blind Faith -- a burly crack system to the right, and the Kaukulator -- a short climb near the halfway ledge of the formation.
The Rostrum faces north and is a great shady spot in the summer heat.
Getting There
Take HWY 41 out of the Valley and follow it through a tunnel and on to a long stretch of stone wall. Park at the pullout along this wall or at a dirt pullout just past it. The descent trail begins at the west end of the wall and descends directly to the summit area, and then skirts steeply down the west side of the formation. The halfway ledge is visible through the trees, and shortly thereafter a series of three single-rope rappels takes you to the base. It would also be possible to approach via HWY 140 from the vicinity of the Generator Crack area.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for The Rostrum:
Pitch for pitch, this route is as good as the Regular Route...if only it got more traffic! Be careful of loose rock and crispy flakes on this at all times.Pitch 1 (5.11d): Just to the right of the crux pitch of the Regular route is a finger- to off-finger crack. While slightly less steep than its neighbor, the awkward size and poor feet make it considerably harder. Climb this and then switch cracks, continuing up to a 2-bolt belay in a bay bush.Pitch 2 (5.10b): Climb flakes up to a slowly wideni...[more]Browse More Classics in CA
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