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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Re: Feather Canyon approach: East vs West?
« Last post by Atomizer on January 20, 2026, 07:50:28 PM »East. I back up NOAL. What he says is right on.
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Hardest solo?
« Last post by Atomizer on January 20, 2026, 07:48:24 PM »What is the hardest solo climb in the history of Pinnacles climbing?
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Re: Climbing Advisories and Closures 2025 (Protection of Nesting Birds of Prey)
« Last post by Gavin on January 20, 2026, 09:21:37 AM »Hey All -
Climbing closures are in effect again as of today (January 20, 2026). They should look pretty similar to previous years. A couple things that might stand out: Goat Rock routes are closed, but all climbing on Resurrection Wall is open. All routes on Machete Ridge are currently open, but this may change (sometime in February) if condors decide to nest there again. Feather Canyon, Rituals & Magic, Where’s Waldo (and other Wherewithal Wall routes) and associated climbs are closed, but the summit routes on Tuff Dome, H&L Dome, etc. are open.
Let me know if you have questions and thanks for your support!
Climbing closures are in effect again as of today (January 20, 2026). They should look pretty similar to previous years. A couple things that might stand out: Goat Rock routes are closed, but all climbing on Resurrection Wall is open. All routes on Machete Ridge are currently open, but this may change (sometime in February) if condors decide to nest there again. Feather Canyon, Rituals & Magic, Where’s Waldo (and other Wherewithal Wall routes) and associated climbs are closed, but the summit routes on Tuff Dome, H&L Dome, etc. are open.
Let me know if you have questions and thanks for your support!
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Re: Feather Canyon approach: East vs West?
« Last post by mynameismud on January 18, 2026, 08:21:22 PM »I recommend bringing a beer
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Re: Feather Canyon approach: East vs West?
« Last post by Runout on January 17, 2026, 08:30:54 AM »Thanks so much.
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Re: Feather Canyon approach: East vs West?
« Last post by NOAL on January 16, 2026, 05:11:01 PM »I would go with the East approach. You can see the route from a distance when you leave the Condor Gulch trail at the Don Genaro overlook. There is a photo of Bruce standing in this spot on Mountain Project. I usually drop my pack somewhere around there.
If you hike up from the West you will need to drop your pack up by the Smokestack. That means hiking all the way up to the high peaks and all the way back down with a pack. More hiking with a back pack from the West.
Also, I suggest not taking a pack on the route.
If you hike up from the West you will need to drop your pack up by the Smokestack. That means hiking all the way up to the high peaks and all the way back down with a pack. More hiking with a back pack from the West.
Also, I suggest not taking a pack on the route.
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Re: Feather Canyon approach: East vs West?
« Last post by Brad Young on January 16, 2026, 04:40:42 PM »
Not really a difference in hike time or difficulty between the two options. Maybe if you were worried about parking on East side vs West side but no other advantage to west approach comes to mind
I agree.
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Re: Feather Canyon approach: East vs West?
« Last post by ryn on January 16, 2026, 04:10:31 PM »Not really a difference in hike time or difficulty between the two options. Maybe if you were worried about parking on East side vs West side but no other advantage to west approach comes to mind
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Feather Canyon approach: East vs West?
« Last post by Runout on January 16, 2026, 01:26:39 PM »There are two descriptions for the approach to Feather Canyon from both East and West sides. East side looks easier and straight forward:
“Hike up the Condor Gulch Trail to the Don Genaro Overlook. Spot the formation and contour uphill for about 400' vertical. It may be necessary to rope up for one short easy 5th class pitch just before reaching the formation.“
Any reason not to just do the Condor Gulch approach?
Thanks
“Hike up the Condor Gulch Trail to the Don Genaro Overlook. Spot the formation and contour uphill for about 400' vertical. It may be necessary to rope up for one short easy 5th class pitch just before reaching the formation.“
Any reason not to just do the Condor Gulch approach?
Thanks
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Masters of Mud -- Pinnacles / Re: MUD 'N CRUD PICTURES THREAD - WEEKLY FAVORITE
« Last post by Marco on December 24, 2025, 09:25:45 PM »Recently was working on a route with Cole and due to its traversing nature we decided to fix a rope...
Cole nearly found god real quick. Good thing the core was still in great shape.
Certainly an eye opener that something so tiny, loose, and visibly flat could cut the sheath. Though maybe it was just the frog method of jugging is too bouncy
This is how you find god real quick....jumar a fixed rope in the Pinns...
Cole nearly found god real quick. Good thing the core was still in great shape.
Certainly an eye opener that something so tiny, loose, and visibly flat could cut the sheath. Though maybe it was just the frog method of jugging is too bouncy