Tehipite Dome, Wall of Ages. Last summer John Fehrman, Bryan Sweeney, and I completed a route (Wall of Ages V-VI 5.11+ A0) up the main south face of this magnificent dome in Kings Canyon National Park. This three-year project had involved Richard Leversee, Mike Davis, Scott Thelen, and Brandon Thau on two previous forays. While the route can be approached from the valley floor, it is in the best interests of future parties to rap the route and climb out. The climb is 23 pitches long, free at mostly 5.10-5.11, except for one short tension traverse and one short bolt ladder that spans a blank bulge. A spacious wooded ledge, Sherwood Forest, offers bivy options at the midpoint, though the final complete ascent was done in a long day. There are now several independent finishes on the upper section of the formation that alone are worth the hike in.

Dave Nettle