Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

Top of the Pops

5.7, Trad, 30 ft (9 m),  Avg: 2.4 from 27 votes
FA: FKA Bob VanBelle and Doug White, 1977 or 1978
California > San Diego County > S San Diego County > Mission Gorge > Limbo Area

Description

One of the best splitters at The Gorge. Arguably better than Craig's Crack but not quite as difficult. Nonetheless the climb, jams, rock quality and positioning are stellar.

If only all the rock at The Gorge was this good!

Location

Located directly above Skyline pinnacle, one tier up.

Just left of History Book.

Compliments of Neal Harder: "The best approach is to continue uphill past History Book until you are almost to the top, then cut right on a small ramp that leads to the top of an obscure route called Khyber Squirrel. From there you can easily reach the TR anchor, or drop down to the base of the formation." 

Protection

Two bolt anchor. SLCD to size #2.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Arete on the left is Punk Rock Show.
[Hide Photo] Arete on the left is Punk Rock Show.
How to find Top of the Pops
[Hide Photo] How to find Top of the Pops
Putting a solo circuit together for days without a partner. This one is fun and very secure!
[Hide Photo] Putting a solo circuit together for days without a partner. This one is fun and very secure!
Top of the Pops!
[Hide Photo] Top of the Pops!
Pano of kyle on lead
[Hide Photo] Pano of kyle on lead
Easy Climbing! T.O.P.
[Hide Photo] Easy Climbing! T.O.P.
View from above.
[Hide Photo] View from above.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Joshua Reinig
Lone Pine Ca.
  5.7
[Hide Comment] Thanks Neal. The hanger has been missing for years. Have never gotten around to replacing it. :) May 22, 2014
Neal Harder
San Diego
 
[Hide Comment] Bolt hangers on anchor replaced 6/14/2014. There are 6 lines that you can toprope from this anchor ranging from 5.2 chimney to 5.11 arete. Jun 14, 2014
Bailey Miller
  5.6
[Hide Comment] Took some time for me to find this climb. If coming from the gully behind Skyline, you need to scramble up and over some chockstones. You can also hike up to the top and drop in from above. Also beware: only about 2 moves of jamming before it goes to easy lie-backing.

The arete climb to the left was very fun as well. May 31, 2015
Neal Harder
San Diego
 
[Hide Comment] The best approach is to continue uphill past History Book until you are almost to the top, then cut right on a small ramp that leads to the top of an obscure route called Khyber Squirrel. From there you can easily reach the TR anchor, or drop down to the base of the formation. Aug 23, 2015
Neal Harder
San Diego
 
[Hide Comment] The arete is the best route on the formation. I believe it's called Punk Rock Show (5.10c), but can't find the source of that info now. The face to the left of the arete can be climbed by 2 variations which are both fun, but short. The right-hand variation is a thin crack that can be lead on gear, I think it's called No Ticket (5.10b). The left-hand variation involves side-pulls and crimps and is about the same difficulty. The other two lines to climb are the squeeze chimney on the far right (5.2?) and the low-angle crack on the far left (5.4?, can be lead on gear). Aug 23, 2015
Kyle Wills
Whidbey Island, WA
  5.6
[Hide Comment] Definitely difficult to find. Thanks to the only photo being taken from the top, I opted to finally walk around on the top till I spotted it. Which was immediately. I have attached some photos to help people get there. If you wish to avoid hiking above the formation. Sep 20, 2015
Off White
Tenino, WA
[Hide Comment] FKA Bob VanBelle & Doug White 77 or 78. It's easy, and it's the Gorge, so it's entirely possible someone climbed it before. We named it and put in a horrible short quarter inch split shank bolt with a hanger made from an aluminum shower door track. Dec 1, 2023