Via Sin Aqua, the Upper Yosemite Falls Traverse. The Falls were completely dry and both Bugs McKeith of Edinburgh and I had noticed the same possible route. In September, 1970 we followed Muir’s footsteps to the western terminus of the ledge leading directly under where Upper Yosemite Falls usually descends. From here we climbed four pitches up a flake system in line with the Fall’s scar. A five-pitch traverse, the “Sidewalk” (some of it is), leads to a final four-pitch dihedral, including the nefarious “Bird Urine Corner”. This unique route is reserved for only the driest of autumns. One-day ascents may be a possibility by exceptionally fast parties. NCCS V, F7, A2.

Rick Sylvester