Climbing Yosemite

Rock Climbing Question?

When climbing a vertical rock such as El Cap at Yosemite, how do you attach to the granite rock? Are there bolts already in place to attach to? Or, do you have to drill in the rock and set your own bolts? Or, are there things you put in cracks that expand?

Traditional or “trad” routes are the ones where you place your gear into cracks in the roock, these include expanding (cams) or passive (usually tapered nuts or hexagons), and slinging trees or boulders or horns. It may still have bolted belays.

A route with all bolts is a called a Sport route, and is usually on a face that does not have the cracks to be able to climb it trad.

A mixed route is a bit of both, but bolts should still only be placed where there is no other form or protection available.

Drilling is a last resort if you are stuck for a way down, or if you are establishing a new route.

Many climbers begin leading with sport routes because it requires less gear and is less scary than trad.

Yosemite climbing

Yosemite: Ascending Rhythm $7.03 Ascending Rhythm is a profoundly stirring work of art, merging the talents of world-renowned rock climber Ron Kauk and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Sterling Johnson. The melding of their many gifts has produced an extraordinary video experience, escalating the viewer to new heights in magnificent Yosemite National Park. “Ascending Rhythm” features not only Ron Kauk, but outstanding rock climbers s…

60 Minutes – Alone on the Wall $17.95 Airdate: 10/2/11 If scaling a 1,600-foot rock face seems terrifying, imagine scaling it without ropes or a harness. That’s what Alex Honnold recently attempted in Yosemite National Park, using nothing more than his hands and feet. 60 Minutescameras were strategically placed along the climb, capturing every harrowing move. Correspondent Lara Logan interviews the man now being hailed as the best cl…

Vertical Frontier: A History of the Art, Sport and Philosophy of Rock Climbing in Yosemite $17.50 …

TOPO! California $99.99 California is a paradise for those who love being outdoors. Its unique geography varies from the Coast Ranges to the rugged Sierra Nevada in the east, to the Mojave Desert areas in the southeast and the Redwood forests of the northwest. Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks provide visitors with a fantastic array of active outdoors sports. Yosemite is an internationally recognized climb…

National Geographic Trails Illustrated: Sierra Nevada $99.99 The Sierra Nevada range is one of California’s most popular outdoor playgrounds. One of the premier destinations for hiking, backpacking, climbing, and winter sports, the Sierras are home to Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Parks, vast tracts of National Forest lands, including 20 Wilderness Areas. Running from north of Lake Tahoe all the way to the southern edge of Sequoia National Park t…

Action Adept Yosemite Valley DVD $14.26 The Action Adept Yosemite Valley DVD has captured never-before-seen shots of Thomas and Alex Huber speed climbing up the Zodiac as well as record-breaking slack lining of the lost arrow spire and the Rostrum. Watch Josh Thompson and Tom Morrow on their epic ascent of Senate Mandate in a 5-day snow storm, along with much more action.

Big Wall Climbing: Elite Technique $24.95 When the rock is 1500 feet tall or more–one long sheer face with precious few holds–let first-class big wall man Jared Ogden give you a leg up. Dangling sweaty-palmed from a 3000-foot cliff for days on end, Jared Ogden taught himself to climb his first big wall by trial and error. Why should you have to do the same? The man who went on to free climb El Capitan and the Nose in less than 24 hours wants to jump-start your education. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-on wall addict, you’ll learn the tools of the trade and how to use them, including modern speed and free climbing tactics that have revolutionized wall climbing. Odgen will have you racked an ready for prime big wall climbing destinations in North America including Yosemite, Zion, Rocky Mountain and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks; the Alaskan Range; and the Bugaboos of British Columbia.

Crack Climbing! $19.95 Crack climbing continues to be a hugely popular pursuit among the general climbing population–in fact, in recent years crack climbing (or trad climbing) has experienced a significant resurgence. Through the use of text, photos, and illustrations, this book explores in-depth the wide range of techniques required to successfully climb cracks. The book starts with how to make the transition from indoor climbing and sport climbing to traditional crack climbing, then moves on to cover topics such as jamming techniques (finger, hand, fist, foot, body), strategies on when and where to place protection, strategies that apply to specific rock types (the soft sandstone of Canyonlands vs. the slippery granite of Yosemite), strategies that apply to specific rock features (low-angle slabs vs. overhanging roof cracks), and information on how to obtain the psychological edge required to be a successful crack climber.

Fifty Favorite Climbs $34.95 – Author is donating 25% of his proceeds from the book to the Access Fund*– 50 behind-the-climb stories– 50 profiles of contemporary elite climbers– 50 complete route descriptions, many never published before– Over 100 spectacular full-color photosIn a book that promises to become legendary, author Mark Kroese gets fifty of the most accomplished climbers of this generation to reveal their all-time favorite climbs. Renowned climber Ron Kauk talks about one of his favorite climbs, the Middle Rock Traverse, Middle Cathedral Rock in Yosemite National Park. Coming here always regrounds me, says Kauk. In twenty-five years it hasn’t really changed. It’s a constant reflection of history. More inside scoop from Roxanna Brock, Mark Twight, Jared Ogden, Tommy Caldwell and other great climbers proves a riveting read.Each story includes a climber profile, garnered from hours of fascinating, thought-provoking, and often downright fun interviews. The climbers share personal anecdotes and offer their views on everything from ethics to style to training techniques. These well-crafted profiles give the reader a real sense of today’s leading climbers.From Newfoundland to Yosemite, Mexico to British Columbia, the favorite routes offer excellent climbing, stunning views, wild exposure, or spectacular summits. Each includes a summary, description of the approach, the route itself, and the descent, along with first-ascent information, ratings, time required, recommended equipment, best season, special considerations, and references.

Life Rocks! $160.73 Trekking through the Sahara Desert, riding a camel along the coast of the Indian Ocean, drinking chai in a Maasai cow dung hut, exploring the middle strata of the rain forest on a system of suspended walkways, raising a baby monkey, sleeping on a narrow ledge 2000 feet up The Nose of El Capitan in California’s Yosemite National Park, competing in the X-Games, climbing 100-foot cliffs in Kentucky, setting world records. No, these are not the adventures of a group of famous explorers. This is the real life of a kid named Tori. As your read about her life, you will not only be entertained but you will find yourself looking at your own life and thinking, Yes, she’s right, LIFE ROCKS!