Perched on the steep face of Gong Show Wall, Alpine Fracture Clinic offers climbers a focused trad experience defined by clean cracks and solid rock in the high Sierra. Just outside Mammoth Lakes, this two-pitch route invites you to engage with varied crack systems and technical moves, promising a memorable alpine climbing outing that balances challenge with accessibility. The first pitch starts with a fun, well-protected dihedral, encouraging confident footwork and subtle hand jams as you navigate upward to a fixed belay. The rock here feels solid beneath your fingers, the granite rough and inviting. The second pitch shifts gears, requiring attention as you work past imposing roofs and settle into a wide crack that demands wider gear placements and smooth technique.

This route’s 5.9 PG13 rating hints at the moderate difficulty peppered with protection challenges; it requires a steady head and gear up to 3 inches. The proximity to Mammoth Lakes means a reasonable approach, allowing climbers to spend more time on the rock and less on the trail. The air is crisp, with pine-scented breezes occasionally whispering through the surrounding forest as the sun arcs across the granite face. Expect a straightforward descent either by lowering from the fixed anchors or continuing to the second pitch for those seeking a fuller taste of the line.

Preparation is key: bringing a robust rack to handle those wide cracks will pay off, as will sturdy footwear and layers suited to alpine conditions where weather can shift quickly. Early morning starts are rewarded with cooler rock and fewer crowds, while late afternoons cast long shadows that cool your grip but add a golden glow to the granite. Whether this is your introduction to the area’s trad climbs or a welcome return, Alpine Fracture Clinic delivers straightforward alpine trad climbing with enough bite to keep the experience engaging and rewarding.