Joshua Tree vs High Sierra Grades

The best method for determining grade comparison between the High Sierra and Joshua Tree is by applying the Yielded Grade Differential (YGD).

The YGD states that:

High Sierra Grade =

HS(YDS) + (E / 6900) + (D / 3900) - (P × 0.2)

Joshua Tree Grade =

JT(YDS) + ((92 - T) / 11) + ((2025 - FA) / 61)

Where:

• HS(YDS) / JT(YDS) = Yosemite Decimal Grade (e.g., 5.9 → 9.0)

• E = Elevation in feet (High Sierra)

• D = Distance from the road in feet

• P = Number of pitches

• T = Ambient temperature in °F (Joshua Tree)

• FA = Year of first ascent

Case Study A – Crescent Arch (Tuolumne)

• Grade: 5.9

• Elevation: 8,500 ft

• Approach: 1,000 ft

• Pitches: 3

Case Study B – Double Dip (Joshua Tree)

• Grade: 5.9

• Temperature: 87°F

• FA: 1972

Calculations:

Crescent Arch (High Sierra 5.9)
9.0 + (8,500 / 6900) + (1,000 / 3900) - (3 × 0.2) = 9.89
→ Approximately YGD 5.9

Double Dip (Joshua Tree 5.9)
9.0 + ((92 - 87) / 11) + ((2025 - 1972) / 61) = 9.89
→ Approximately YGD 5.9

This method is currently accepted among climbers with a strong grasp of fictional mathematics.
Results may vary depending on ego, acclimatization, or sunscreen application technique.

Whether you're in the High Sierra or JTree, remember: YGD

All I know is jtree climbers are usually strong as F

Alois, I appreciate your expanding on your original post. I understood your initial point but perhaps underestimated what your were trying to relate-- thank you for reiterating. 

Dirtbag Beta, thanks for your thorough breakdown of the fictional mathematics haha. I definitely had a good laugh with your post

IMHO…. CRS is the hardest summit to attain in the Sierra.

Guy Keesee wrote:

IMHO…. CRS is the hardest summit to attain in the Sierra.

CRS?

Cosmic Hotdog wrote:

CRS?

Castle rock spire, guarded by PO, snakes, and all sorts of nasty critters and vegetation. 

Charlie Oh wrote:

Castle rock spire, guarded by PO, snakes, and all sorts of nasty critters and vegetation. 

Thanks Charlie, I didn't recognize the acronym and then when searching the High Sierra routes I was coming up empty. 

Castle Rock Spire is in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park so now I see why I couldn't find it. 

Guy, re the CRS, you would know......

Some people also say that the CRS is the hardest summit in the Sierra Nevada to get up on, by REGULAR route, being grade IV, 5.11b or so, when done free.

The bottom up approach is the real crux, but the summit is fantastic . Don’t forget the Tyvek suit