Ericsson Crags, North Face. East of Mount Brewer the immensity of the surroundings almost renders dimensions immeasurable. So it is in much of the high Sierra. Packing in ropes and iron 19 miles is a proven way to get in shape for a good high-country wall before summer’s crowds arrive. The flame on the candle was Ericsson Crags; a Geological Survey photograph provided the incentive, for it pictured a magnificent north face. Reed Cundiff and I did the route on May 25, finding it a fine classic, nearly 1500 feet in height, with consistently steep pitches. The remaining traces of a fresh snowfall slickened the ledges, but not the delicate work. The face is wide enough to offer more routes. The rock is good. The upper north face of Mount Ericsson, while steep, appears shattered with suspicious coloring. NCCS IV, F7.

Fred Beckey