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Alpenglow at All Weather Wall – A Crisp 5.9 Sport Climb in Sierra Eastside

Mammoth Lakes, California United States
sport climbing
5.9
single pitch
crack climb
granite
Sierra Nevada
directional bolt
toprope anchor
Length: 60 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Alpenglow
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Alpenglow offers a precise 60-foot 5.9 sport climb on sturdy granite at All Weather Wall near Mammoth Lakes, combining clean crack work with bold positional moves. Ideal for climbers ready to balance technique and flow in stunning Sierra Eastside terrain."

Alpenglow at All Weather Wall – A Crisp 5.9 Sport Climb in Sierra Eastside

Alpenglow cuts a striking silhouette across the right side of the right-hand pillar at All Weather Wall, a stalwart of the Casa Diablo Mountain climbing spot near Mammoth Lakes. This single-pitch, 60-foot sport climb threads a path defined by right-leaning cracks and the intuitive challenge of big, dynamic moves that force you to read the rock as much as climb it. The granite here wears its character plainly: cool, solid, and eager to test your balance and body positioning. Morning sun warms the wall’s surface, but shade returns early, making the best approach for a climb often the unpredictable shoulder seasons when temperatures strike that fine line between chilly and comfortable.

The climb insists on a measured commitment—nothing frantic, but the moves require precise footwork and a steady grip on the often inviting but slightly sharp edges. Four well-placed bolts provide anchors and security, with a fifth fixing a directional near the top, which doubles as a top-rope anchor for another popular route called After Dark. This protective setup encourages a confident ascent while acknowledging the subtle risk that comes with the grade's demands. It strikes a balance: enough security to focus on technique and flow without muting the elemental feeling that only a sport climb on quality granite can deliver.

Approaching All Weather Wall is straightforward, taking less than 20 minutes from the commonly used trailhead. The path is rugged but kept clear: forested stretches hint at lingering pine scent and the quiet rumble of distant streams, leading you steadily upward through the thick Sierra landscape. Once beneath the wall, the rocky outcrop commands attention—its textured cleavage and crack systems inviting your hands and feet to explore. It rewards climbers who succeed with both the satisfaction of solid climbing and the expansive views over the Sierra Eastside, framed by the rugged contours of Casa Diablo’s peaks.

Gear-wise, a light rack geared primarily toward sport is best. Bring quickdraws for the four bolts and consider your footwear choice carefully—sticky rubber shoes with precise edging capabilities will serve you well here. Timing your climb to avoid the midday heat will improve your grip and overall comfort. Hydrate well before the climb, as the exposed approach and crisp alpine air can subtly sap energy faster than expected.

Alpenglow’s grade of 5.9 feels fair, leaning neither soft nor overly harsh. The crux lies in the coordination of the right-trending crack with the subsequent leftward big moves, an engaging sequence that demands composure more than brute strength. Compared with nearby sport climbs at Casa Diablo, it sits in the middle ground: approachable for confident intermediates but rewarding enough for seasoned climbers honing their crack-to-face movement skills.

Prepare for a solid descent by downclimbing the route or using the fixed anchors to set up a rappel—safe, simple, and efficient. Watching the fading light play on the granite after your climb, it’s clear why this route draws both local champions and visiting climbers looking to merge adventure with practical challenge in a place where Sierra wilderness never feels far away.

Climber Safety

Bolt placements are solid, but the clip sequence requires attention to avoid rope drag. The rock is generally clean, though edges can be sharp, so glove care and careful hand placements reduce abrasion risks. Approach in dry conditions to avoid slippery surfaces.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length60 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid afternoon shade and cooler grip temperatures.

Footwear with precise edging rubber enhances performance on small cracks and edges.

Hydrate well before and after the climb to counter dry alpine air effects.

Approach trail is well-marked but rocky—sturdy hiking shoes recommended.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating on Alpenglow feels spot on, matching the sustained crack moves with a crux sequence that demands control rather than raw power. It's inviting for climbers stepping up from moderate routes, but the technical footwork and the shift in direction lend it a modest challenge that keeps it engaging. Compared to other Casa Diablo sport climbs, it balances accessibility with a rewarding sense of movement flow.

Gear Requirements

Four bolts protect the route with an additional bolt near the top serving as a directional anchor and toprope point for After Dark. Bring standard sport quickdraws and sticky rubber shoes for the technical moves along the right-trending cracks and open left moves.

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Tags

sport climbing
5.9
single pitch
crack climb
granite
Sierra Nevada
directional bolt
toprope anchor