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Elevation: 3,986 ft
GPS: 37.74725, -119.57482
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 47,307 total · 345/month
Shared By: Bryan G on Dec 28, 2012
Admins: Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Latest updates on closures, permits, and regulations. DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Please do not climb as of August 23, 2023. Per the Yosemite Climbing Rangers, "A new crack system appeared overnight and there is concern that a major rockfall could happen. The park Geologist will be assessing the scene and we will keep you updated on any further changes." See here for closure.

The Ahwahnee Boulders is one of the most densely concentrated and thoroughly developed boulder fields in Yosemite Valley, perhaps second only to the Camp 4 circuit. Here you will find a great variety of problems at all levels of difficulty. This area encompasses everything from the east end of Church Bowl on down past the Ahwahnee. Great White (V1) and problems further east are typically organized under the "Horse Trail Boulders".

The Ahwahnee Boulders lie at the base of an enormous talus field spreading below the Rhombus Wall and the left end of Royal Arches. The best boulders, or rather the boulders with the best landings, lie out away from the talus and line both sides of the Horse Trail near the road. As you explore further north you will quickly encounter a jumbled mess of blocks with horrid landings and pitfalls not suitable for bouldering.

Although located on the sunny side of the Valley, the Ahwahnee features some cold pockets of air. These are fed by tunnels and crevasses in the monstrous talus which breath out cool air from deep underground. It makes bouldering there on warm days a bit more reasonable than other north side locations. The area is also known for having a number of great problems that are close to the ground with good landings. If you find yourself in the Valley without a crashpad this is a good area to get a lot of stuff done without breaking your ankles. This is a very high-profile area, visited by many non-climbers, so try to not overdue it with the chalk and tick marks if you're within clear view of the trail or road.

Getting There Suggest change

Either park at Church Bowl and walk east, or park at the Ahwahnee and cross the road to the north.

38 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: *CLOSED FOR SAFETY* Ahwahnee Boulders Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at CLOSED FOR SAFETY* Ahwahnee Boulders

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V0 4
 20
Soto Slab
Boulder
V2 5+
 5
Splitter Bluebird
Boulder
V3 6A
 34
No Fur
Boulder
V3 6A
 15
Unnamed V3 Traverse
Boulder
V3 6A
 27
Ahwahnee Fin
Boulder
V3+ 6A+
 10
Beached Whale
Boulder
V4 6B
 44
Ahwahnee Arete
Boulder
V4 6B
 4
Dark Crystal Arete
Boulder
V4+ 6B+
 14
Silent Spotter
Boulder
V5- 6C
 8
Smile for the Green Dragon
Boulder
V5 6C
 6
Atlas
Boulder
V5 6C
 9
Chokin'
Boulder
V5 6C
 5
The Fridge
Boulder
V7 7A+
 4
Rubik's Revenge
Boulder
V9 7C
 7
Pugilist
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Soto Slab Soto Boulder
 20
V0 4 Boulder
Splitter Bluebird Splitter Bluebird Bou…
 5
V2 5+ Boulder
No Fur No Fur Boulder
 34
V3 6A Boulder
Unnamed V3 Traverse Traverse Boulder
 15
V3 6A Boulder
Ahwahnee Fin Ahwahnee Fin Boulder
 27
V3 6A Boulder
Beached Whale Bees Boulder
 10
V3+ 6A+ Boulder
Ahwahnee Arete Ahwahnee Boulder
 44
V4 6B Boulder
Dark Crystal Arete Dark Crystal Boulder
 4
V4 6B Boulder
Silent Spotter Silent Spotter Boulder
 14
V4+ 6B+ Boulder
Smile for the Green Dragon Blonde Ambition Boulder
 8
V5- 6C Boulder
Atlas Atlas Boulder
 6
V5 6C Boulder
Chokin' Chokin' Boulder
 9
V5 6C Boulder
The Fridge Fridge Boulder
 5
V5 6C Boulder
Rubik's Revenge Rubik's Boulder
 4
V7 7A+ Boulder
Pugilist Ahwahnee Boulder
 7
V9 7C Boulder
More Classic Climbs in CLOSED FOR SAFETY* Ahwahnee Boulders »

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