DSC03302 Photo courtesy Bill Bushnell

Mammoth Trip, 2026

September 11

Climbing



Frank on the traverse.



Like the first route, this one is maybe 15 m high and although rated 5.8, I'd call it 5.10c in the gym.

I flashed this one. The opening crack is more of a small dihedral with holds in the inside, but not requiring or probably allowing any jamming techniques. I was surprised that the finger-rail didn't actually exist, and had to come up with something else. Jo's first chalked crimp was useful, and I found a foot. From there I was able to get a good toe-hook in the left crack, and I matched the first crimp. This put me in a good position to skip the second crimp and just get my left hand into the crack for a lie-back. The face was a little tedious, but I was able to find small but secure footing so I could rest. Slowly I made my way up to the anchor. -F.

I popped off the traverse but quickly got back on, and the same on the headwall. The footholds are tiny, requiring a lot of toe pressure. Often I was simply smearing. -S.