Northeast Gully, Laurel Mountain 5.2

High Sierra, California USA

Currently 3.0/5

Avg time to climb route: 4-6 hours

Approach time: 45 minutes

Descent time: 2-4 hours

Number of pitches: N/A

Height of route: 3500'

Overview

This is a true “adventure climb” that derives its pleasure less from the technical difficulties and more from the unique rock, tricky routefinding, and sheer size of the mountain. This route is huge and involves over a mile of 3rd and 4th class climbing. From a distance, the line is clear. Once on the climb, however, you enter a maze of gullies and it is easy get lost. Think of this route as part Sierra scramble and part canyoneering expedition.

The rock in the main gully is mostly a pumice stone-like substrate that offers a clean and enjoyable passage through the surrounding sea of decaying loose choss. Along the way, various types of red, white, gray, and black rock enter the gully making this a geologist’s dream climb. The first ascent of this route marked the first time a belay was used in the High Sierra.

Photos - View all 20 photos of Northeast Gully as: Thumbnails | Slideshow