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Elevation: 8,659 ft
GPS: 37.88463, -119.41002
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 1,648 total · 18/month
Shared By: Alex Shainman on Jul 11, 2016
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

I would like to encourage more traffic to this fine late morning and afternoon shady area. There is a collection of single pitches up to 50m long. The left side (NE facing) has a mix of trad, sport and runout; middle (N facing) and right side (NE facing) are mostly all bolted routes. As noted in the Reid/Falkenstein guidebook, the highest quality routes are in the 11-12a range and that's pretty much the truth.

The middle of the north face proper has 3 excellent (and by Tuolumne standards) safely bolted 100'-115' knob routes. At first glance they don't look like anything special, but I think they climb quite well and are great onsight challenges at the grade...it's like one giant black streak similar to parts of Medlicott Dome. Unfortunately, due to lack of popularity combined with water runoff, the whole wall has a bit of flakey lichens BUT these routes are suprisingly clean and very climbable as is and will be perfect after a few more ascents. This would be a great place for anyone training to onsight the Bachar-Yerian. The best time to start climbing here mid summer is after 12 or 1 so that the sun has moved overhead enough that you won't get blinded on the moves to anchors. A 70m rope is quite handy for these routes.

Most of the good routes have all 3/8" Rawl bolts but unfortunately at this time there is some galvanic corrosion from mixed metals and age, but they still look safe. All the anchors have worn out and crispy webbing and cord which could be updated with chains so bring some along with a knife for some good crag stewardship points...I plan to do so next time I visit but I'm not sure when that will be. The area needs a little love...the mixed and gear routes too. If some ambitious regulars were to spend some time resurrecting this entire wall with some cleaning, bolt maintenance, etc, it could become a great afternoon shade hang...just saying.

This entire wall is visable from the routes on the west face of East Cottage.

Getting There Suggest change

Same approach as for East Cottage Dome...driving west from the Meadows store, park in slightly hidden pullout on the right at 2.7 miles and walk uphill on a trail with cairns. Once at the saddle between East Cottage on your right and Central Cottage on your left, walk down easy low angle slabs to the Central Dome's north face. The Peanut Gallery (which is technically part of East Cottage but below its west face) will be immediately up on your right.

If already at the west face of East Cottage it's a quick and easy approach by descending the obvious ledges and gully under and to the west, making for a fine morning and afternoon destination.

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