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Elevation: 8,785 ft 2,678 m
GPS: 37.64839, -119.06475
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 12,214 total · 317/month
Shared By: JimmyB on Mar 8, 2022
Admins: Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes

Description Suggest change

The Mountain View Walls are generally west facing crags sitting at 8650 feet with an easy approach. You will find quality granite and climbing that is often steep and physical. Most of the routes enjoy morning shade, making this an excellent summer and fall destination. There are stunning views of the Minarets and the headwaters of the San Joaquin River.

Sun/Shade

The North Wall is generally sunnier than the South Wall.

The South Wall routes enjoy morning shade longer thanks to the tall conifers around the base of the wall. Some of the South Wall routes (Rock ‘n Twang, Mr Cream Jeans, TC Semi-Pro) go back into the shade mid-afternoon.

The Brazilian (11c) is the last route to go into the sun. 

In other words, you can chase the sun or the shade depending on the temps. 

Access

When the road up to Minaret Vista is plowed, it's game time at Mountain View Wall. Even if there is snow on the approach, the walls will be dry.

Gear

In general, a rack of doubles up to #3 Camalot and one #4 will get you up the routes here. More specific rack recommendations are called out on each route.

A single 60m rope will get you up and down all routes here.

All routes are equipped with bomber Fixe stainless steel fixed hardware and mussy hooks for lowering off. There are several two bolt anchors above the North and South Walls that give top rope solo access. 

Future First Ascents

These crags still have tons of potential. They also gets buried in snow in the winter. For the safety of the climbing community and the longevity of the routes, please ensure all fixed hardware (i.e. bolts and hangers) is stainless steel.

Getting There Suggest change

Approach

Park near the kiosk/ entrance station that accesses the Reds Meadow/Devil’s Postpile National Monument just below Minaret Vista. The approach begins at the Starkweather Trail trailhead next to/ ~10m south of the kiosk.

Follow the Starkweather Trail downhill/west for a few minutes. The view will suddenly open up giving excellent views of the Minarets. At the electric junction box, when the Starkweather Trail turns right/ north, you will drop down left/south. You will quickly cross a shallow ravine. The approach trail trends down and left and eventually over the north wall and into a sandy gully that separates the north and south walls. As you drop down the gully, you will see the routes Yellow Thunder and Long in Tooth on your right just behind the fallen tree.

Allow 15-20 minutes.

24 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Mountain View Wall

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 8
First Day on the Job
Trad
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 10
Hawk Eye
Trad
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 12
Long Valley 5.9
Trad
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 12
Long in Tooth
Trad
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 11
Yellow Thunder
Trad
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 6
Magic Rubber Ride
Trad
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 9
Ribbit
Sport
5.11b/c 6c+ 23 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 8
Mr. Cream Jeans
Sport
5.11b/c 6c+ 23 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 5
Sun Kissed
Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 9
The Brazilian
Trad
5.11c/d 7a 24 VIII 25 E4 6a
 5
Strong As An Ox and Twice As Smart
Sport
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
 6
Lime Pilsner
Sport
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 7
Pneuma
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
First Day on the Job Mtn View Wall North
 8
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Hawk Eye Mtn View Wall South
 10
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
Long Valley 5.9 Mtn View Wall South
 12
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
Long in Tooth Mtn View Wall North
 12
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Trad
Yellow Thunder Mtn View Wall North
 11
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Trad
Magic Rubber Ride Mtn View Wall North
 6
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Trad
Ribbit Mtn View Wall South
 9
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Sport
Mr. Cream Jeans Mtn View Wall South
 8
5.11b/c 6c+ 23 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
Sun Kissed Mtn View Wall South
 5
5.11b/c 6c+ 23 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
The Brazilian Mtn View Wall South
 9
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Trad
Strong As An Ox and Twice A… Mtn View Wall North
 5
5.11c/d 7a 24 VIII 25 E4 6a Sport
Lime Pilsner Mtn View Wall South
 6
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a Sport
Pneuma Mtn View Wall South
 7
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport
More Classic Climbs in Mountain View Wall »

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