PRINT: Rock Climb Hot Pockets, Owens River Gorge

Hot Pockets

5.10+, Sport, 90 ft (27 m),

Avg: 3.3 from 19 votes
FA: unknown
California > Sierra Eastside > Bishop Area > Owens River Gorge > Lower Gorge > O Face

Access Issue: Bridges Out! IMPORTANT LADWP NEGOTIATIONS!! Details

Due to liability concerns, bridges are being removed in the Owens River Gorge at the request of LADWP. The Bishop Area Climbers Coalition and the Access Fund are currently in negotiations with LADWP to get this issue resolved. In the meantime, please continue to be good land stewards by respecting these bridge closures and finding alternate crossing points until this issue is resolved.

1) Never park or camp overnight at the access points.
2) Always park off the pavement, taking great care to avoid blocking the gates.
3) Clean up after your dogs. (Local climbers are finding abandoned doggie poop bags.)
4) Pack out all trash and TP, including picking up after others.
5) Use the outhouses if at all possible.

Description

Begin as for Steel Reserve/ No Reserves. After the first bolt (shoulder length sling nice here) traverse right and carefully climb a short corner with less than perfect rock to a ledge. From the ledge follow bolts up and right passing a couple of bulges to the final pumpy finish. The hardest move is about mid way at the first bulge but then the clock is ticking as you fight the pump to the end. Clipping the last bolt can be tricky if you don't find the blind hold or commit to a higher jug. The steep finish to the Mussys can feel quite exposed. Awesome fun!

Protection

I think 11 bolts (may want one shoulder length)

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Ha at what is probably the crux of Hot Pockets

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

MisterE Wolfe
Grass Valley, CA

Getting after it, Jeff - Nice! Clever, as well.

I am on a moratorium since home improvements... ;)

Living vicariously, though!

Can't wait to check some of the new stuff... Dec 16, 2016

Austin Archer
Bishop, Ca.

Excellent route with great rock, and fun climbing! One of the best in that area. Dec 17, 2016

old5ten
Sunny Slopes + Berkeley, CA

5.10+

fun route that's more pumpy than technical. multiple ways to finish on top. Mar 12, 2018

Jeff Scheuerell

5.10+

We added a new start. Originally Hot Pockets shared the same first 4 bolts as Steel Reserve but now has an independent start other than the first bolt which is shared by all of the upper routes. I think the bolt count is 11? It is nice to have a shoulder length sling for the first bolt allowing the rope to run impressively straight.
We also moved a couple bolts, unfortunately the proper size wrench did not make it into my pack so we were unable to remove the older bolts. Next time. Dec 14, 2023