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The Fortress

California > Sequoia & Kings… > Castle Rocks
Warning Access Issue: Always check SEKI road conditions and peregrine closures DetailsDrop down

Description

This wall is located only 6 miles from the nearest trailhead, has relatively low elevation (approx. 7693 feet). However, the location feels remote and alpine in nature. First known technical line (The Siege IV A0 5.10c) was established in 2012, with a lot more rock left to explore.

Getting There

GPS coordinates: 36° 30.560'N 118° 41.739'W. Take the Mineral King road in Sequoia National Park until you get to the Paradise Ridge trailhead near Atwell Mill campground. Take the paradise ridge trail for 3 miles up to the ridge. From there, The Fortress is roughy 2.5 miles NNW. Head cross country and contour through some small drainages until The Fortress and the gully below it come into view. Stay on the East (right) side of the gully until you're below the wall, then cross (only water) and make your way up to the base. Or take a helicopter, that would be easier.

supertopo.com/inc/photo_zoo…

Routes from Left to Right

5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 2
● The Sage
Trad, Alpine 10 pitches
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b A0 PG13
 2
● The Siege
Trad, Aid, Alpine 7 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● The Sage
 2
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Trad, Alpine 10 pitches
● The Siege
 2
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b A0 PG13 Trad, Aid, Alpine 7 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Dramatic sunset: Angel Wings, Hamilton Dome, and other peaks of high Sierra
[Hide Photo] Dramatic sunset: Angel Wings, Hamilton Dome, and other peaks of high Sierra
Fortress from the approach. The Siege goes up the obvious dihedral- between the golden wall and grey wall.
[Hide Photo] Fortress from the approach. The Siege goes up the obvious dihedral- between the golden wall and grey wall.
The Fortress, now.
[Hide Photo] The Fortress, now.
The Siege
[Hide Photo] The Siege
From the approach
[Hide Photo] From the approach
Adventure is waiting..
[Hide Photo] Adventure is waiting..
The Fortress
[Hide Photo] The Fortress

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Sam Fearer
805
[Hide Comment] As of August 2024, only eight individuals have stood upon the summit of this solitary wall. August, however, is not the best time to visit.

To the future visitor:
There is probably no good way to approach this formation. We approached by hiking down the ridge northwest of Abija and BAM domes until we reached the backside. From here, we contoured clockwise around to the base of the wall, which required one 50ft section of fifth class that can be rappelled. There are 1.5 bivy sites at the base, which is otherwise very sloped and pretty overgrown. Water was found 15ish minutes downhill. To avoid the fifth class return, we hiked out via the bushy creek drainage instead, which was also rough, especially in 80 degree direct sun. Regardless of how hard your climb is, you will probably have earned your victory meal by the end of your trip :) Apr 4, 2025