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After The Flood

Tahoe City, California USA
sport climbing
short pitch
blocky jug
long reach crux
well protected
Lake Tahoe climbing
Length: 40 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
After The Flood
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"After The Flood is a concise, dynamic sport climb on Falls Walls in the Lake Tahoe area. With four bolts and a distinct crux requiring a long reach, this route offers a satisfying test of skill and precision under well-protected, manageable exposure."

After The Flood

After The Flood offers a focused burst of sport climbing amidst the rugged setting of Falls Walls near Indian Springs, tucked into the northern reaches of California's Lake Tahoe region. This compact 40-foot route delivers a direct challenge that rewards precision and reach without taxing endurance. From the very first move, climbers can feel the rock’s texture under their fingertips—a solid, blocky jug providing reliable purchase just off the ground. This approachable start quickly transitions into a series of well-defined holds spread across a steep face, inviting climbers to engage with both balance and strength.

The heart of After The Flood reveals itself as you push between the second and third bolts, where the crux demands a committed, long reach to a subtle edge that feels just out of grasp. This move stretches both physical limits and mental focus, asking for deliberate positioning and confident execution. Beyond this challenge, the route eases slightly, allowing climbers to savor the textured stone and smooth flow of movement toward the anchors.

Falls Walls offers a refreshing escape within the wider I-80 corridor area, its rock catching the morning light and offering cool shade in the afternoon—a feature that makes timing your climb crucial for comfort. The area’s moderate elevation means the air is crisp and dry, enhancing grip while also urging you to prepare for rapid temperature shifts.

Protection on After The Flood includes four well-placed bolts along the route and reliable lower-off anchors, allowing a safe yet engaging experience for sport climbers of varying skill levels. The approach is straightforward, following established paths that weave through open pine and scrub, arriving at the base without complication.

Whether you are stepping into your early 5.10 ambitions or sharpening your technique on shorter routes, After The Flood blends sharp rock features with a manageable length that encourages repeated attempts and fine-tuning. Alongside the climb, the surrounding landscape whispers promises of quiet days punctuated by mountain breezes and occasional bird calls, encouraging moments of calm reflection after each ascent.

Climber Safety

Pay close attention at the crux move; the hold is slightly small and requires a committed reach. The bolted anchors are solid, but always inspect hardware before ascent. Trails can be rocky and slippery after wet weather, so approach carefully.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Start early or late in the day to avoid midday heat on the sun-exposed face.

Wear shoes with a sensitive edge to handle the tiny holds around the crux reach.

Bring a lightweight rack focused on quickdraws; no trad gear needed.

Hydrate well before approaching — access trails offer little shade.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.10a, After The Flood presents a solid intermediate challenge where the difficulty is front-loaded in a single extended reach between bolts two and three. The grade feels fair for the route’s brief length; while not overwhelmingly difficult overall, the crux requires confident positioning and reach, similar to other sport climbs in the region focusing on precision rather than sustained endurance.

Gear Requirements

The route is protected by four well-spaced bolts with solid lower-off anchors, making quick clipping and efficient movement key. A standard sport climbing rack is sufficient here.

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Tags

sport climbing
short pitch
blocky jug
long reach crux
well protected
Lake Tahoe climbing