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Castle Dome Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Castle Dome

L › R R › L A › Z

	Madirjian's Banana T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c PG13
	Southeast Arete T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a

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Elevation:	11,000 ft
GPS:	36.88061, -118.4566 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	11,231 total · 95/month
Shared By:	SirTobyThe3rd M on Jul 24, 2014
Admins:	Chris Owen, Lurk Er, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

Castle Valley is one of the most beautiful meadows and really original rock could be found on the domes towering above it. Many opportunities for adventure climbing, scrambling, hiking and first ascents. No wonder the full Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most popular hikes in the High Sierra - the area is fantastic. Prominent dome has two reported routes. One of them goes up the impressive Southeast Arête and the other goes up one of the dihedrals to the left of the prominent SW face. SE arête goes straight to the summit of the peak, where as the other route stops about 400 ft below the top. In any case, the views of surrounding peaks are incredible. You will not find a line at the base of these routes. Even though there has been much talk about this area, only two recorded ascents (one each for each route) have been made.

Getting There

Follow Rae Lakes Loop trail for 95% of the way. Other 5% of it is very straight forward cross country. Start from the Roads End parking area and follow a well maintained trail towards Bubbs Creek/Paradise Valley. After about two miles, take a left turn and hike North towards Paradise Valley. If you find yourself on steep switchbacks going towards Bubbs Creek, you went too far. Continue up the valley for several miles and make a right (East) turn towards Woods Creek. You will cross a bridge there and have another 3.5 miles till you reach the Castle Valley one of the most beautiful spots in Sierra Nevada. From there, we went up to the base of the long wall that led to Castle Dome and traversed below it.