Tommy Caldwell on The Dawn Wall, El Capitan, YNP, USA

Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgenson have undertaken one of the most ambitious climbing projects ever conceived - to free climb El Capitan's Dawn Wall. Tommy began the project in 2007 and enlisted highball boulderer and Bishop denizen, Jorgenson, soon thereafter to share in the project.

The climb includes 7 pitches of 5.14 and 7 pitches of 5.13 amongst a total of 28 pitches, and wanders across the Dawn Wall connecting parts of Mescalito, Adrift, Reticent, and Warren Harding's famed Wall of the Early Morning Light.

The scale, difficulty, and sustained nature of the project is mind-boggling.

Tommy recently shared on his blog that he'd used a modified CrossFit workout to help train for the project. It's called 'Cindy' and is a routine whereby you do as many sets of 5 pull-ups, 10 pushups, and 15 situps as you can in 20 minutes. Tommy was able to do 26 sets in the alloted time...

How many can you do???

Favorite Hikes & Bikes: Bay Area

Batteries to Bluffs Trail (0.7 miles): Begin at the Golden Gate Bridge and hike South until you reach the Batteries and Bluffs trail(about a quarter of a mile).You will be hiking above North Baker Beach (aka Marshall's Beach) which is a somewhat popular nude beach. The descent to the beach along the Batteries to Bluffs trail used to be a bit more fun as it was steep and rugged. Wooden planks and stairs were installed in 2007 as part of a large renovation project that also included the removal of trees for the nefarious purpose of 'historic view preservation', but I digress. You can descend all the way to the beach (optional) or continue along until you the trail meets back up with the road.



Land's End Trail (~3 miles): From Baker Beach, take steps at the Southern end of the beach up into the majestic Sea Cliff neighborhood. From here walk through the neighborhood keeping as close to the coast as possible. An amazing and eclectic assortment of homes here provide a feast for the eyes until you are back on the trail. At the end of the neighborhood you will run into the sign for the Land's End Trail. Take this trail all the way to Sutros Baths and Ocean Beach for amazing views out over the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The trail is mostly flat with a few steeper sections that are outfitted with wooden stairs. There is also an optional turnoff down to Mile Rock Beach.



I highly recommend this! The stairs lead down to the beach itself and also a human made rock maze on a rock promontory. Rejoin the main trail and follow it until you reach the site of the old Sutros Baths.



The Sutros Baths were built by former mayor Adolph Sutro in 1896 as a privately owned swimming pool complex that included seven pools, six of which were salt water and one freshwater. A fire in 1966 burned the original structure down and the ruins were left as a point of interest. Explore the Baths and walk through the tunnel at the Northern end for a short, cool adventure.

Above the Sutros Baths sits the Cliff House restaurant that forms the North end of Ocean Beach. First built in 1858 with lumber salvaged from shipwrecks that happened on the rocks below it, the structure has seen a number of changes. It is now a charming and somewhat expensive place to eat that is mostly a tourist destination.

On the hill above the Cliff House was the site of the home of Adolph Sutro. The foundation of the home is still in place and this area provides an excellent place from which to view Ocean Beach, the Outer Richmond, and Golden Gate Park.



A block or two off of Ocean Beach is a Safeway grocery store. From here a number of buses lead to destinations throughout the city. Tired hikers can use these buses to return back to the start of the hike. Those with the time and stamina however are encouraged to hike through Golden Gate Park, have tea in the Japanese Tea Gardens, and finish up with a meal in Haight Ashbury for the full circuit!



Downtown SF - Golden Gate Bridge - Sausalito: A perennial favorite. Ride your bike over the Golden Gate Bridge from anywhere in Downtown San Francisco to Sausalito. Enjoy a Mimosa or brunch and either pedal home or take the Sausalito Ferry back to San Francisco. 5.5 miles one way, or 11 miles round trip (from the GGB).

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Favorite Hikes: Yosemite National Park

Not just for world renowned rock climbing, Yosemite is also home to some of the best and most breath-taking hiking on Earth. Below is a short summary of our favorite hikes in Yosemite National Park grouped by area.

Yosemite Valley

4 Mile Trail: Ascending nearly 3,200 feet off the Valley Floor, 4 Mile Trail links hikers from near the base of Sentinel Rock in Yosemite Valley, all the way up to Glacier Point on the Valley's South Eastern side, this is surely one of the Valley's best and most arduous hikes. Distances are 4.7 miles one way, and 9.4 miles round trip. Some hikers prefer to take the hiker's shuttle from Yosemite Lodge (times: 8:30, 10:00, and 1:30 pm) to the top of Glacier Point and hike only back down to the Valley. Cost of the ride one-way is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $15 for children. Tickets are available at the Yosemite Lodge tour desk. This hike offers spectacular views and a more pleasurable challenge than the Upper Yosemite Falls trail that climbs the opposite side of the Valley. The trail is less rocky, wider, and offers a gentler grade than the one that ascends to the West side of Yosemite Falls. Also, a bonus with 4 Mile Trail is the ability to see Yosemite Falls for almost the entire way up.

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail: 3.8 miles one-way, or 7.6 miles round trip and 2,600 feet of elevation gain make the Upper Yosemite Falls trail one of the main challenges for hikers visiting Yosemite National Park. Beginning with over 60 short and steep switchbacks up a rock-strewn trail beginning at the trailhead at the back of Camp 4, the hike immediately attempts to weed out those out of shape or unprepared. After these initial switchbacks, hiker's are greeted by the excellent view at Columbia Point. From here, approximately 1/3 finished with the hike, and nearly 1,100 feet off the Valley Floor, hikers can stand at the metal railing and take in sweeping views down both sides of the Valley, gaze at the towering majesty of Half Dome, and the fingernail size swimming pool in back of Yosemite Lodge. Not far from Columbia Point, the trail turns a corner and opens up a view of Upper Yosemite Falls. If early in the season, a fair amount of moisture/mist will rain down on hikers here as they move along the flattish path towards the base of the Upper Falls. Here a final round of switchbacks (many) lead up to the top of Yosemite Falls and fabulous views out over the Valley. Those with extra energy can continue on for another mile or so to Yosemite Point which looks out over Lost Arrow Spire and the Valley Floor. As always in Yosemite, bring much more water on these longer hikes than you think you need, plenty of snacks, and pace yourself.

Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail: 7 miles round trip to the top of Nevada Falls, and 1,900 feet of elevation gain. This is perhaps my favorite hike in all of Yosemite Valley. Ascending up the well-named Mist Trail, hikers are treated to direct views, and summits, of two water falls Vernal Falls (317 feet tall) and Nevada Falls (594 feet). Take the Mist Trail up the right side of Vernal Falls to its metal railing surrounded summit, then continue up past Nevada Falls on its left side to its summit. Take your time basking in your accomplishment, the suns rays, and gorgeous views of Liberty Cap before heading down. Descend via the John Muir Trail after crossing over the Merced River above Nevada Falls. This descent option is much easier on the knees offering a much reduced grade, and longer, flatter, and less rocky switchbacks on the way back down to the observation bridge below Vernal Falls. If it's early in the season or the water level seems particularly high, hikers may wish to have a poncho with them for Vernal Falls as the mist blowing off the Falls can completely soak through a hiker's clothes in minutes. Also, it shouldn't need to be said, but exercise extreme caution on the wet and rocky trails here. People have slipped and fallen to their deaths at various points along the trail. The exposure and level of objective danger are not unreasonable, but carelessness or allowing oneself to become dehydrated or distracted can and does result in serious accidents.

Half Dome: Now a permit-only hike, Half Dome's summit is reached via the famed cables that are located several miles past the top of Nevada Falls on Half Dome's South side. If you are able to reserve a permit very early in the year for a summit attempt on Half Dome, you will be one of 400 visitors that day to try to set aside fear and exhaustion to reach one of North America's (if not the world's) most famous hike-up to rock summits. The hike is nearly 18.5 miles round trip from Curry Village and culminates in an exposed hike up to the top of the sub-dome (very narrow, and slippery rock switchbacks to here), followed by steel cables for 400 feet to the Half Dome's summit. Many people have died on the summit cables from both accidental falls, lightening, and from sudden rain storms that caused the granite to become incredibly slick and dangerous. The Park Service is currently reviewing different ideas for making this hike less dangerous including the recently implemented permitting system which limits the dangerous overcrowding on the cables. This does not mean however that at peak times there will not still be a slow moving (or non-moving) congo line on the cables with fear stricken hikers who are unable to move up or down. This hike strikes me as unnecessarily dangerous (as each hiker is responsible for assessing thunderstorm risks, personal hydration, the competency of those around them, etc while already in an environment that is often foreign to them and while typically exhausted.) I can't honestly advocate this hike while comparatively safer and far less crowded gems such as North Dome and Sentinel Dome are available. That said, if you simply must do Half Dome be sure you can identify building storms (which come on extremely quickly in the Sierras), consider protection opportunities such as quick draws and a harness, bring way more water than you think you'll need, and be sure you are fit enough for this gruelling 18.5 mile, 4,800 ft elevation gain marathon. If so, have fun, but be very careful!

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point and the Fissures: One of my favorite places to take visitors in YNP, these two Valley rim features offer more serenity than the more crowded hikes listed above, with a chance to see classic Yosemite views without the hordes of camera toting tourists (I know, I know...I'm one too!) Driving towards Glacier Point along Glacier Point Rd, park at a paved pullout on the left with perpendicular parking spaces and a concrete bathroom facility (come early to make sure you get a spot on crowded weekends!) Leaving the parking area, hike to the East for 1.1 miles along a well marked trail, and ascend the low angle slabs on Sentinel Dome's eastern side to its summit. Here, at 8,100 feet (also the second highest point overlooking the Valley Floor with only Half Dome being higher at 8,800 feet), you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and the high Sierra to the East. This is truly one of the finest places in the Valley to relax and practice your photography! Retrace your steps back to the parking area, but continue past the cars for 1.1 more miles to Taft Point and the Fissures. Beware that the Fissures are incut rock chimney's that fall away several thousand feet to the Valley Floor. Keep an eye on the next step, not just through the view finder on your camera! Taft Point offers a metal railing for protection as you peer out over the edge and look down on El Capitan! After the hikes, finish off by driving over to Glacier Point for its classic views and a libation at the small gift shop and eatery.

Approaching North Dome's Summit

North Dome:Park at the Porcupine Creek area on Tioga Rd (in Tuolumne Meadows, Hwy 120 E). From here hike 4.4 miles each way down the summit of North Dome. The crowds are even less a factor here than on Sentinel Dome and the views of Half Dome's face from directly across Tenaya Canyon and down through Yosemite Valley make this hike an absolute must do if the road through Tuolumne Meadows is open for the season. If you are early in the season, and the water is high, you may have to cross streams in certain places. This can be deadly. Make sure to find a safe area to cross (if inobvious from previous parties) and take your time.

Tuolumne Meadows Area

Pothole Dome: Park in the pullout off Hwy 120 Tioga Pass Road at the sign for Pothole Dome. Use a well worn path to cross the meadow to its base, and 3rd/4th class your way up the Dome's low angle shoulder. This is a really quick adventure, but is great fun. Its amazing what modern day, sticky rubber hiking shoes/boots can do on textured Yosemite granite. Trust your feet and make your way up to Pothole Domes summit for views sweeping out across Tuolumne Meadows.

Lembert Dome: The classic dome hike in Tuolumne Meadows, Lembert Dome is the prominent sloping dome directly off the road near the Tuolumne Lodge area. The trailhead starts at 8,500 ft and ascends 900 feet to the thinner air summit at 9,400 ft. The hike is 2.8 miles round trip and ample parking is located at the trailhead. The trail leads hikers to the bare rock shoulder of Lembert Dome. From here slowly navigate your way to the small summit block, and carefully scramble up to the Dome's true summit using extreme caution to avoid sliding down the slabs. Excellent views of Tuolumne River and Meadows make for a terrific finish.

Castle Rock State Park - South Bay

Castle Rock State Park is home to some of the best sandstone bouldering in the United States. A large area with tons of boulder problems, a fair amount of bolted sport climbs, and some trad lines, Castle Rock in and of itself is enough material for an entire guidebook (of which there are several.)

Climbs here range from 10 foot boulders to 120 foot tall sport lines encompassing nearly every level of difficulty.

The park itself comprises 5,200 acres along the highest ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There are over 35 miles of trails running through the park. Fortunately however, much of the very best climbing is within a mile or two of the main parking lot on CA-35.

Favorite Climbs:



The area known as the Waterfall Cliff provides a nice mixture of moderate sport and trad climbs and is a must visit if you are looking to rope up and have limited time. The area is located below the waterfall observation deck that is a 0.9 mile downhill hike from the main parking area.

The climbs here range from 5.6 to 5.11d, with the likely most popular moderate route being The Falls (5.10R) which ascends a bolted face up the left side of the waterfall just below the observation deck. It is 100' long and runout. There are 6 bolts - the first of which is approximately 15' off the drck - and the anchor is rigged using the observation deck supports. The climb can be top-roped with a 70 m rope or by using long slings off the observation deck.

To the right of the falls is the very fun Charlie Solo (5.6, Trad, 45') that ends at a two bolt anchor. The climb is a lieback with plenty of protection opportunities. One of the bolts was substandard and loose the last time we were there. A tree at the top can be used to supplement the bolts using 15-20' of webbing.



To the left of Charlie Solo is The Greeboo (5.9, Sport, 45'). The climb ascends past 3 bolts to a two bolt anchor which is shared with Charlie Solo. Fun slabby face moves make this an enjoyable climb, but it is slightly run-out. The bolts can be supplmeneted with a few pieces of trad gear in the crack to the right or in a pocket midway through the climb.



On the far right side of the wall is Putrefaction (5.11a, Sport, 75') that ascends past 4 bolts to a two bolt anchor. This climb is tenuous face climbing up featured sandstone. It can be top-roped by walking across the rocks at the top, although reaching the bolts is a bit sketchy as they are on a downward slopping summit.



Lastly, just right of Putrefaction is Degeneration (5.10a, Sport and Trad, 70') which begins with a 5.6 dihedral that protects well with stoppers and small cams for approximately 40'. The climb then traverses out onto a slab face with 3 bolts leading to a two bolt anchor. Here again the climb can be top-roped with the anchors being much easier to reach than those for Putrefaction. Unfortunately however, one of the bolts was loose the last time we climbed here. It was both no longer fully driven and had a loose hangar.



To reach these climbs hike towards the observation deck. Approximately 40' from the deck itself there is a metal sign reading 'Danger Sheer Cliff Stay Back.' Turn left here and cross the stream and follow a faint trail steeply uphill for 200 feet or so. Follow the trail to the right until you reach the tops of the above climbs. Here you will see a gully that runs down to the base. Carefully descend the slabs and you will see the bolted routes on your right.



Directions: From San Francisco, take I-280 South to exit 24 Sand Hill Rd toward Menlo Park. Turn right on Portola Rd, left onto Ca-84W/La Honda Rd, and another left onto CA-35 S/Skyline Blvd. Approximate drive time is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Fees: There is an $8 day use fee.

Special Considerations: Avoid climbing for several days (minimum should be two) after it has rained. The sandstone here is very fragile and critical holds on well loved problems have been known to break. There is also a fair amount of Poison Oak throughout the park and visitors should keep an eye out for both Western Rattlesnakes and Mountain Lions.

Mt. Tamalpais

View from Northern Formation

High above the San Francisco Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, at 2,574 feet, is the highest point in Marin County and stands sentinel-like at the mouth of the bay. From the parking area at the top, Mt. Tam offers some decent rock climbing with world class views. While the rock here is somewhat chossy, the setting makes it a worthwhile place to climb even if only once.

Geology: Serpentine (much like that found at Stinson and Mickey's Beach).

Directions: From San Francisco, take the Golden Gate Bridge North into Marin County. Use the exit for Stinson Beach/CA 1. Turn left on Shoreline to stay on CA-1N. Then turn right on Panoramic Hwy. Follow the signs to Mt. Tam and continue on to the summit parking lot.

Cost: Day pass parking at the summit is $7.

Approach: You will see several main rock formations from the loop hike at Mt. Tam's summit. It is easiest however to take the plank trail up to the lookout tower and approach the rock routes from above. (If it is your first time climbing at Mt. Tam, it helps to hike the loop once to view the formations from below, thus allowing easier navigation when coming from above to set up TR anchors.)

Routes range in difficulty from 5.7 to 5.11b (for the famed Oberman roof crack) with most of the routes in the 5.7-5.8 range. Top ropes here require trad anchors and slinging chockstones. Bring long webbing and cams for most anchors. There are a few very rusty quarter inch buttonhead bolts from a different era atop several of the climbs. DO NOT USE THESE BOLTS! They are no better than coffin nails!

While not the best climbing, you can't really find better views while cragging in the Bay Area (except for Mickey's Beach perhaps!)


Olberman's Crack
Northern Formation