After being rained out of Yosemite we decided to backtrack and head over the Sierra's via Highway 108(Sonora Pass). If you ever get a chance and have a capable vehicle, drive this pass! We started at around 5'000 ft. and topped out the pass at 9'624 ft. Besides the crazy vertical gain you get to enjoy some of the most majestic rock cliffs and mountains I have ever seen. Coming down the backside of Sonora pass(26% grade by the way) we got our first glimpse of the Eastern Sierras.
California at 10'000 ft. makes Washington look pretty good
We made a brief stop at Mono lake to enjoy the "tufa formations" and apparentlythe breeding ground for 80% of California's beautiful winged bats we have come to love, seagulls.
We continued on our way to the next destination, Clark Canyon. An area defined for its easy yet fun sport climbing. The rock is volcanic tuff(Similar to Smith Rock), it is littered with pockets and obsidian intrusions.
We started at a sector called "Area 13", which had tons of 5.7-5.10 climbs. We Began on the left side of the cliff band and worked right. The climbing was fun and juggy? I know, quite the conundrum. Not only was the climbing good, but the views were spectacular!
View from the top of "Wild Will's Arete" (5.8)
After ticking 8 new climbs, the elevation and heat started getting to us. So Gabrielle and I wondered through the forest along the base of the cliffs in search of obsidian that had dislodged itself from above. When it was all said and done we ended up with a zip lock bag stuffed to the rim with obsidian. Here are a few mores pics from Clark canyon...
One of the areas we wondered through called the "Potato Patch", steep and well featured!
"Stoned Wheat Thin Cliff"
Mammoth ski resort as seen from the parking lot of Clark Canyon
"High clearance vehicle's advised" said the guide, we had a different definition of what that meant
Now onto Bishop! The land of boulders and cowboys
Ooooooo I want some obsidian!!!
ReplyDelete