Alabama Hills Gang rises from the Western Wall in The Loaf, demanding precision and focus with its sustained slab climbing that sets it apart in the Alabama Hills. From the very beginning, the route tests your footwork and balance as you launch off a flat boulder with a cautious step into a sizable gap before settling onto a slippery slab. The rock here is alive with small divots and delicate dime-sized edges—each foot placement deliberate and rewarding. Clipping bolts spaced along this 145-foot line, you engage a rhythm of movement that blends technical finesse with steady power.

As you navigate the initial sequence, the route forces a subtle leftward traverse before swinging rightward around the 5.10a crux. It's a sequence that demands both mental and physical control—hesitate, and the slab will challenge your resolve. The protection is solid, with 17 bolts providing confidence throughout, yet the steep slab feels unyielding underfoot, requiring tight shoes and sharp focus. Midway up, a left-leaning ramp offers a brief reprieve, a platform to adjust your grips and breathe before stepping back onto the face.

The route’s character shifts as you climb higher, transitioning into patina plates that mark much of The Loaf’s signature style. Crisp edges invite confident hands and feet, but don’t let the polished rock fool you—a subtle but physical bulge crowns the final pitches, adding a 5.9 crux that pushes your strength and technique just before the anchor. Passing this challenge, the summit reveals a panorama that rewards every measured step: the wide-open grandeur of the Alabama Hills stretched below, framed by the Sierra’s rugged peaks.

Descending requires two ropes from a reliable two-bolt anchor with rings, offering a safe and straightforward rappel back to the base. The approach to the climb is short, but preparation is key: stiff-soled climbing shoes and a spotter for your first move ensure a safer start. Spring through fall offers ideal conditions here, with shaded faces in the morning giving way to warm afternoon light.

Alabama Hills Gang isn’t just another line on The Loaf—it’s a test of slab technique and mental grit that delivers one of the area’s most rewarding single-pitch sport climbs. Whether you’re tightening your shoes for the first time on delicate cup edges or hunting the joy of a perfectly executed smearing sequence, this route crafts an experience that balances challenge with breathtaking scenery.