PSOM Slab Rock Climbing

"Palisade School of Mountaineering Slab" - PSOM

This is a prominent, large slab of white granite broken by countless cracks, seams, and ledges, with both blank and featured faces to test your friction skills. There are currently over thirty routes at PSOM.

The angle of the PSOM slab is pretty mellow for the most part, but vertical and overhanging sections are encountered on some of the routes. Friction climbing is the name of the game, although there are cracks on some of the popular routes.

Easy access and a wide range of grades make this a favorite spot for slab climbers of all abilities. The routes range from short, easily topropable climbs to 700+ foot multipitch half-day adventures.

Most routes require a single 70m rope, some routes require two ropes for rappel. Most anchors are bolted with mussy hooks or rings. See specific route descriptions for detailed route information.

It is easy to get lost/off-route at PSOM. Some lines intersect or overlap, others aren't well described, and every once in a while there are multiple options to do a particular pitch. Use beta photos/topos for a better overview and distinct landmarks.

PSOM is mostly friction climbing on granite, but it is quite different from trade routes in Tuolumne or even Joshua Tree. Even with extensive cleaning there are little friable edges and flakes. It is best to avoid those when possible.

The best times to climb here are Fall and Spring. Winter can be excellent on a warm day in a drought year. Summer is usually hot, but climbing is quite viable in early mornings and in the shade of late afternoons and evenings.

Have fun climbing at PSOM, it's a magical place!