Here are some pics of 3 climbs from last week. Bear's Reach 5.7, Haystack 5.8, and Corrugation Corner 5.7

This place is unbelievable. Easy access, nice little campground with water and bathrooms, and a huge variety of climbing on solid, unique looking rock. Did I mention the two million handlebar jugs called Dikes? And the friendly, scenic descent trail through old growth trees.

here's the first view coming down hwy 50 from South Lake Tahoe


winter view


Main Wall coming into view from the short campground approach trail.


Center Wall


East Wall








Geoff goes through the actual Bear's Reach sequence on the middle pitch. At 5'10", I didn't have to reach higher than normal for anything.


View across the canyon at the south side of Pyramid Peak, the southern most summit of Desolation Wilderness.Pyramid is just under 10,000'.


Haystack and Bear's Reach shown in-between my white X's. 5 stars in McNamara's guide.




I did the first pitch and then handed the reigns over to Tim. Here he's going over the crux 5.8 roof move on Haystack, on the middle pitch.


I led the last pitch, which was really fun. Lots of perfect hand and finger cracks to pull on, only with a low angle to make it 5.7.





This is a few days later (8/17). I'm looking for Corrugation Corner. I should have looked online for a picture. Didn't start climbing until after 4pm.


Hospital Corner 10a




McNamara describes this climb with 5 stars, and says it's the steepest 5.6 and 5.7 anywhere. I just kept reminding myself of the grade, and found it pretty easy. Quite varied too. face, cracks, and a chimney.

_________________
Mike Schwartz
www.thebackcountry.net
mike@thebackcountry.net

keep going back. I've now realized how lucky I am to live so close to this place.

The line


travellers

_________________
Mike Schwartz
www.thebackcountry.net
mike@thebackcountry.net