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The Shield

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

Description

The Shield is Saber Ridge's little brother, located to the east pretty much above Tamarack Lake. There is a spire or two between Saber Ridge and The Shield, but The Shield is the one with the sizable face. I wouldn't expect anyone to get on this unless they have already done The Prism and Saber Ridge - those two are unique and amazing climbs.

Getting There

The approach starts at the outflow of Tamarack Lake, and that is a good place to view and scope out the approach. Cross the outflow and start up left on a faint trail, then cut over a knoll and head straight for the break in the cliff bands to the left. Start up rock on the right side, then cross over into the grass and wildflowers. Follow a bear trail (I swear it’s a bear trail) up through bogs and tall grasses until you can cut over on a ledge to a rocky, open area. Climb up to the top of the open area, then take a few bushy steps right into a long open boulder wash. Then head up past a broken off tree and head for two large boulders that mark the end of the talus field. Intermittent bushwacking, but not too bad. From there it is steep but easy walking to the climbs. Its about a 1,500 foot approach.

Routes from Left to Right

5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 3
Stonehenge
Trad, Alpine 7 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Stonehenge
 3
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad, Alpine 7 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Approach from Tamarack Lake, seen in bottom right
[Hide Photo] Approach from Tamarack Lake, seen in bottom right
The Prism, Saber Ridge and The Shield
[Hide Photo] The Prism, Saber Ridge and The Shield
The Shield is in the center of the photo
[Hide Photo] The Shield is in the center of the photo