The Watchtower, Northeast Arête, Tokopah Valley. Hidden in a small dead-end valley, this huge granite prow has escaped the notice of most California climbers. It rises in a spire-like blade about 1000 feet high and only 75 feet wide. Greg Henzie and I spent two days on the smooth and virtually ledgeless face on Labor Day weekend. Much of the climbing was intricate direct aid up discontinuous cracks, although as we neared the summit the last pitches were entirely free. Our route is near the left edge of the prow and did not require a single bolt. The most elegant line on the prow is parallel and only fifty feet right of ours. However, it will entail liberal use of a bolt kit in several places. NCCS V, F8, A4.

Galen Rowell