The Vampire

The ultimate SoCal classic which takes pride of place on Tahquitz Rock - winding its way up the center of the West Face Bulge.

P1) The Bat Crack, 5.11a. From the ledge drop down and into the crack, initially a lieback then finesse requirements begin to kick-in culminating with a tough move past a bolt - don't relax though, an energetic mantle is required to gain the belay ledge up to the left and bolts. This pitch can also be climbed direct from lower down.

P2) 5.11a. Thin and steep leftwards to the flake (well protected if using one of the anchor bolts). Now up the flake which proves to be moderate, but in an exposed and wondrous position. Past a flake (The Bologna Slicer) go down left to a ledge (The Batwalk) and more bolts.

P3) 5.11a. Back to the flake system and, as it heads left step over it to the right and up to a bolt, pass this on the right up to a thin diagonal crack (small TCU) follow this to a left facing corner which leads to the original pin and nut belay higher up. The pin is gone as of September 2022 so a belay with hand size pieces can be made in the arching crack at a stance.

P4) 5.8. Ahhh, I can still feel the grin forcing its way onto my face as I head up the last pitch, a thin flake, over the arch roof to find myself standing, practically in disbelief, at the top of The Vampire with my mate Fred.

Use From Bad Traverse which begins at The Trough and heads left past a tree over to Super Pooper and The Step, but before reaching these routes head up (kinda tricky) to ledge with a 2 bolt anchor which lies to the left of The Bat Crack. Or belay at the tree for the direct start (better).