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Tall T

5.10b, Sport, TR, 70 ft (21 m),  Avg: 2.7 from 109 votes
FA: Tim Standing & Sheryl Bennett ( 2007)
California > Eastern Sierra > Lone Pine Area > Alabama Hills > Alabama Hills N… > Western Wall Area > Tall Wall

Description

A recent addition to the Tall Wall, 'Tall T' was put up by Tim Standing in 2007. The route starts 10 feet right of 'Banana Split', by intially climbing somewhat loose flakes to the open slab above. Most find the crux in between bolts 3 and 4, as one makes delicate friction moves on "kitty litter".

Location

In addition to the description above, a variation exists (not shown in the current 'Bishop Area Rock Climbs' guide book) by initially climbing 'Banana Split' (the crack/seam which starts just left of Tall T) to its first bolt then traverse up and right, clipping a bolt underneath a buldge. Continue upward to the fourth bolt of 'Tall T'. This variation can be protected with small nuts (optional) after clipping the first bolt.

Protection

10 bolts. Mussey hooks for anchors.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Climber on 'Tall T', Tall Wall<br> <br> Photo by Blitzo
[Hide Photo] Climber on 'Tall T', Tall Wall Photo by Blitzo

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Dave Daly
Kernville, CA
  5.10b
[Hide Comment] Although only "one" star was given for this route, the upper half of this route is excellent, providing a lesson in edging and slab skills. Jeff.......harsh rating! ;) Oct 14, 2008
John Jackson
Homewood, CA
  5.10b
[Hide Comment] This route must be cleaning up and is now a fun route. Nice sustained edging up a steep slab/face. Jan 3, 2009
andy patterson
Carpinteria, CA
[Hide Comment] I agree: this route proved to be quite fun and sustained. I definitely give it three stars. Mar 2, 2009
Diana
Sparks, NV
 
[Hide Comment] Loose crumbly flakey rock - pulled a big flake off just above the 3rd bolt (I think that was where it was).

Sustained climing - weather was windy crappy and cold (October 2009), making for a miserable climbing day. The route was definitely no gimmie even if the weather had been nice. I'd love to try it again, this time without the crumbling flake pulling off in my hand. May 15, 2010
Randy in Ridgecrest
Inyokern, CA
  5.10a/b
[Hide Comment] This climb will save your sanity as the group you are with insists on spending another morning at The Tall Wall doing the same two climbs over and over and over. May 4, 2011
jfailing
Portland, OR
  5.10b
[Hide Comment] This route *may* have cleaned up a little bit, but the first bit of the climb is pretty grungy - particularly a mantle up onto a flaky hold that will eventually go...

The upper half is great! Typical A-hills crimp/edging. Sep 8, 2011
Matthew Fienup
Santa Rosa Valley, CA
  5.10b
[Hide Comment] The left-hand alternate, which starts on Banana Split and then traverses right after that route's first bolt, is HIGHLY recommended. This allows you to skip some extremely scary rock on Tall T's first 3-4 bolts. Two dedicated bolts protect the travers over to Tall T. As mentioned by others the second half of Tall T exhibits good rock and great movement. Jan 27, 2014
Bailey Smith
Sacramento, CA
  5.10b/c
[Hide Comment] Did this on top rope from Spur and it was my absolute favorite route in the Hills! Upper half is SUPERB balancy thin edges with solid (but thin) feet. Super crazy fun. On lead I think I would've found it a bit spicy, especially the first few bolts.

Also found the rock to be razor blade sharp, but FAR worth the pain! Sep 7, 2016
Cory B
Fresno, CA
  5.10b
[Hide Comment] There is a large flake near the 3rd blot that is fractured and ready to come off. Yikes! Mar 26, 2017
BAd
  5.10b
[Hide Comment] Did the regular route years ago but jumped on the alternate start today--first bolt of Banana Split then cut right. This is a MUCH better way to go--great rock pretty much all the way. Solid three stars and still 10b. I did place a smallish cam before getting to the second bolt. Nice to have but not absolutely necessary. Go do it! Mar 8, 2018
Christopher Chu
CA and NV
 
[Hide Comment] +1 about the hollow flakes between bolts 3 and 4. don't lie it back. Apr 30, 2018
Jeff Scheuerell
 
[Hide Comment] While 80% of this climb is great I can't even give this thing a star due to those very questionable flakes down low. Had a decent size chunk break on me. Considering the rock I think I would have bolted it a little better. Oct 21, 2022
Gregor Taylor
[Hide Comment] Just start on banana split as others have said and it’s great. Nov 27, 2023
Mike Toffey
Yosemite/Lone Pine, CA
  5.10b
[Hide Comment] Fun and clean! Original start is just fine still as long as you climb carefully and aren’t purposely trying to peel off the hollow stuff. My partner said I didn’t knock down a single grain of sand on my entire lead. Not sure what all the fuss in about. Get on it! Apr 6, 2025
Spencer H
San Diego
  5.10b
[Hide Comment] Such a great climb. Care should be taken on the flake, but I have to agree with Mike Toffey that it's easy to climb the original start safely and enjoyably, despite the very hallow flake. Anchors seemed pretty warn through, but not dangerous at this point. Might be worth replacing soon. Oct 30, 2025
joed
Santa Cruz, CA
[Hide Comment] stay light on your feet to keep the rock on the wall.... Mar 16, 2026