Happy to have had the route to ourselves except one soloist. Everything I expected from Tuolumne - great protection, stunning views high in the alpine with a proper sense of adventure. Got a little bit confused at the top - probably better to stay right of the summit block? Start early and bring a headlamp (: One of the best days I’ve had in the mountains.
A true cathedral of a mountain. A really wild climb surrounded by lakes, meadows and forests dotted with snow drifts, and dwarfs even Half Dome in the distance. Dead quiet at 8am, though got crowded later (happy birthday to those 4 guys). Don't underestimate the marmots, hang everything (we saw them chewing on a trekking pole)!
Awesome, great alpine adventure, easy climbing in spectacular position, with amazing views growing better with each pitch. Were a good number of people on the route, we eventually did a diversion around the Chimney section in order to get up & off before weather came in. Great climb.
Great climb. The approach is long but satisfying. Welcome to Tuolumne Alpine!! We managed it in 6 pitches. Had to build a anchor near the top of 5 to reduce rope drag.
The route is busy, but there are many variations one can climb to move around other parties. The chimney pitch can become a bottle neck when crowded so manage it with caution.
Another bottle neck is the summit. One has to down climb and traverse to reach the start of the descent. No rappel anchors on this classic peak.
An awesome route/social gathering. It was really fun and classic but crowded. I was up on Medlicott Dome on 10/10 and there were far fewer people at the trailheads. After 10/15 the park service does not allow overnight parking. I hear this dramatically reduces traffic.
