North American Classic Climbs

Washington Column

East Face, Astroman Route

Description

Climbers*

Photo*

Date

JS101

JS101

The East Face of Washington Column from the approach.

-

JS

Sep, '01

JS123

JS123

The rack spread on a Yosemite picnic table in time-honored fashion.

SC

JS

"

JS205

JS205

Taping up at the bottom of the route.

SC

JS

"

JS208

JS208

Just off the ground, pitch 1.

SC

JS

"

JS210

JS210

Looking down from the belay at the top of pitch 2.

-

JS

"

SC03

SC03

Looking up at the Enduro Corner from the top of pitch 1.

JS

SC

"

SC01

SC01

Contemplating the very difficult "Boulder Problem" (5.11c) at the start of pitch 3. The climber eventually opted for an unprotected 5.10a stemming corner to the right in lieu of this.

JS

SC

"

JS215

JS215

Getting rolling on the Enduro Corner. (p. 4)

SC

JS

"

SC04

SC04

Looking back from half-way up the Enduro Corner, pitch 4. This is one of the physical cruxes of the route.

SC, JS

SC

"

JS217

JS217

Seconding pitch 5.

SC

JS

"

JS219

JS219

Arriving at the belay, pitch 5.

SC

JS

"

JS221

JS221

Pitch 6 begins with this flared chimney (5.10c)

SC

JS

"

JS223

JS223

More continuous 5.10 rock in the form of liebacks and stems, pitch 6.

SC

JS

"

JS226

JS226

Looking up at the belay for pitch 6. The amazing rock architecture continues, with the intimidating Harding slot dominating the scene. This caused the 1959 first ascent party serious problems, as it can modern parties. The "Staircase Flake" can be seen just above the belay.

SC

JS

"

SC07

SC07

Approaching the belay on pitch 6.

JS

SC

"

SC06

SC06

Starting up pitch 7, approaching the Harding slot.

JS

SC

"

JS230

JS230

The leader deep in the Harding slot. The haul line gives an idea of the steepness of this strenuous off-width chimney; another physical crux.

JS

SC

"

JS234

JS234

Looking down at the second wrestling with the Harding slot.

SC

JS

"

JS236

JS236

Beginning pitch 8. Don't expect it to let up!

SC

JS

"

SC02

SC02

Leading pitch 9, which is called "Changing Corners" for obvious reasons.

JS

SC

"

JS308

JS308

The upper section of pitch 9 offers relatively mellow 5.9 crack climbing for a change.

SC

JS

"

JS311

JS311

Pitch 10 begins with this 5.10c lieback.

SC

JS

"

JS317

JS317

The belay on a nice ledge at the top of pitch 11, which can be combined with 10 if you have a 60m rope.

SC

JS

"

SC08

SC08

Looking back at the second arriving on the ledge.

JS

SC

"

SC05

SC05

Leading the last pitch.

JS

SC

"

SC09

SC09

The summit, with the Northwest Face of Half Dome behind.

JS

SC

"