Granny Slab Rock Climbing

Granny Slab is the 400-500 foot tall, pyramid shaped formation behind Magnus Pillar.

Don't let the name fool you... it's steeper than it looks. Granny hosts excellent stone and a variety of multi pitch climbs, and its southeast facing aspect gives it a long season.

Many of the routes share ledges and anchors, making it easy to criss cross the formation, choose your own adventure, and pack in many pitches. There is some fine, alpine, multi-pitch cragging here!

Weather

Granny Slab is noticeably cooler than the other Rock Creek Crags. Its higher elevation and frequent breeze keep the hot temps at bay despite its sunny aspect. If the temps in Bishop are 90 degrees Fahrenheit or less, you will find Granny quite comfortable, maybe even cool. On the longer and hotter days of summer, the wall goes into the shade early afternoon.

History

The first edition of Lewis and Moynier’s Mammoth Area Climbing Guidebook featured Granny Slab, but it never made the cut in later editions. These original routes are on the left side of the wall but are not described here because the author has not climbed them. They presumably require double rope rappels, but it is unknown if those routes have fixed anchors. Granny Slab saw a resurgence of activity starting in the fall of 2017.

Gear Recommendations
In general, a double rack to #1 Camalot, and singles of #2, and #3 Camalots will suffice. A single set of small offset cams is highly encouraged, and offset stoppers are also helpful. Numerous slings will help manage rope drag.