How do I get to the The Alcove?

Hi.  I'm thinking of doing a trip to Yosemite, and I want to do the only #toprope on el cap, and it says you have to go up to the Alcove, but how do you do it? Is there a trail or is it free climbing to get to the bolts? Thanks.  God Bless You Guy's, and Your Family's!!!

Reading the description on MP, it sounds like it’s a bit of exposed fifth class scrambling to reach the anchors without leading the route, assuming you are talking about simulkrime. As for the alcove itself, it’s a pretty reasonable approach from El Cap Meadow, just hike to the base of the nose and skirt the base of el cap going east. As of last weekend, there was still a fair amount of ice coming down the wall, so keep that in mind.

Trevor Salom wrote: Reading the description on MP, it sounds like it’s a bit of exposed fifth class scrambling to reach the anchors without leading the route, assuming you are talking about simulkrime. As for the alcove itself, it’s a pretty reasonable approach from El Cap Meadow, just hike to the base of the nose and skirt the base of el cap going east. As of last weekend, there was still a fair amount of ice coming down the wall, so keep that in mind.

Ok thanks dude.  That makes a lot more sense then the post on simulkrime.  Very much appreciated.  Also I plan on going in late May, so should there be good wether during that time?

Scrambling up into the alcove is chill 4th. It is exposed so don't fall. 

I’m just gonna say it, the “god bless you and your familys” is creepy.

Flag me if you want 

Tony Lobay wrote: Scrambling up into the alcove is chill 4th. It is exposed so don't fall. 

Indeed.

To people who may have missed the other thread: OP is 14 years old and maybe not too experienced. Snark or sarcasm may be lost and/or dangerous here.

Colin, I'd follow the advice on your other thread ( mountainproject.com/forum/t…). What some people call "exposed 4th class" others call "easy 5th class" and others (read: me) call "free solo". Also keep in mind this single pitch is 230 feet, so the only way to toprope it is belaying from the top using a 70m rope. You can't rappel it (unless you tie together two 70m ropes), so to clean you will have to downclimb this free-solo section.

Your psyche is palpable but every year people visiting Yosemite get in above their heads and get hurt, or worse. Even many climbs in the "Yosemite Topropes" book aren't the "typical" toprope you might be used to. When you visit, you'll have the most fun and get the most climbing in if you hire a guide. They can take you safely to the best climbs and instead of one pitch of climbing on El Cap maybe you can get a couple in!

The first part of your journey to the Alcove will be to travel to Yosemite.

Start by asking your parents to help you get there. While you are talking to them about it, you may want to explain to them what you are planning to do.

Unless you already live in central CA, a trip to Yosemite is likely going to cost at least a few hundred dollars. For a few hundred more you can take a class from some of the best instructors anywhere.

http://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/rock-climbing

Harumpfster Boondoggle wrote:

No dude, it most certainly IS our problem.

Any Adult interacting with a Minor in an online situation bears a great deal of responsibility for ANY action resulting from their advice. I do due diligence before dispensing any recommendations to anyone on this or any other forum. That is why I don't give ANY climbing advice to minors.

It ain't hard to figure out, just look at his page. If they hide their age, then caveat emperor.

You are quick on the quote link.

I decided to take that down because I misread the post I was quoting. I thought (and maybe I was) being called out for my comment about being creeped out about blessings to me and my family, while when I reread it I think the post was aimed at advice to a minor about a dangerous activity. 
For a guy named Harumphster impressed with your Latin. 

Ned wrote: To people who may have missed the other thread: OP is 14 years old and maybe not too experienced. Snark or sarcasm may be lost and/or dangerous here.

Colin, I'd follow the advice on your other thread ( mountainproject.com/forum/t…). What some people call "exposed 4th class" others call "easy 5th class" and others (read: me) call "free solo". Also keep in mind this single pitch is 230 feet, so the only way to toprope it is belaying from the top using a 70m rope. You can't rappel it (unless you tie together two 70m ropes), so to clean you will have to downclimb this free-solo section.

Your psyche is palpable but every year people visiting Yosemite get in above their heads and get hurt, or worse. Even many climbs in the "Yosemite Topropes" book aren't the "typical" toprope you might be used to. When you visit, you'll have the most fun and get the most climbing in if you hire a guide. They can take you safely to the best climbs and instead of one pitch of climbing on El Cap maybe you can get a couple in!

Yes that's a good idea.  I imagine trying to fly with trad gear could be annoying.  I will definitely look into a guide if I decide to try that route.

Sloppy Second wrote: The first part of your journey to the Alcove will be to travel to Yosemite.

Start by asking your parents to help you get there. While you are talking to them about it, you may want to explain to them what you are planning to do.

Unless you already live in central CA, a trip to Yosemite is likely going to cost at least a few hundred dollars. For a few hundred more you can take a class from some of the best instructors anywhere.

http://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/rock-climbing

Yes that's a good idea.  I imagine trying to fly with trad gear could be annoying.  I will definitely look into a guide if I decide to try that route.

go to the base of el cap. take a right. walk till you see it.

I still stand by my recommendation to not fall. 

Jake Thomson wrote: go to the base of el cap. take a right. walk till you see it.

Got it.

Tony Lobay wrote: I still stand by my recommendation to not fall. 

I like that idea