HomeClimbingAny Way You Want It

Any Way You Want It: A Classic Trad Experience in Lake Tahoe

Truckee, California United States
fingers
hand crack
layback
single pitch
easy trad
lake tahoe
grainy rock
Length: 60 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Any Way You Want It
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Any Way You Want It delivers an accessible trad climb with straightforward stemming and hand jams set in the rugged I-80 corridor of Lake Tahoe. Perfect for those exploring trad fundamentals, it offers solid pro placements and a scenic ledge to rest before topping out on grainy yet rewarding granite."

Any Way You Want It: A Classic Trad Experience in Lake Tahoe

Set against the rugged landscape of Lake Tahoe’s I-80 Corridor, Any Way You Want It invites climbers into a straightforward yet satisfying trad route that blends accessible technical moves with the quiet hum of the wilderness. Beginning with straightforward stemming, finger locks, and layback techniques through a clean dihedral, the climb offers a steady progression that feels both approachable and engaging for those ready to trust their gear and skills. After navigating this initial sequence, climbers arrive at a substantial ledge crowned by a lone tree—a natural resting point that offers a brief pause to soak in the granite’s texture and the surrounding echoes of the canyon.

Above this ledge, the route continues for another 15 to 20 feet on a crack that leans into classic 5.6 climbing territory, requiring steady rack management and confident footwork. The protection here is uncomplicated: a single rack featuring finger to hand-sized cams fits smoothly into the available placements, providing reassurance on the vertical stretch. Though the climb’s rating hovers around 5.8 for a top rope, leading this route with full gear elevates the challenge closer to a mellow 5.9, introducing a measured sense of exposure and movement without forcing excessive risk.

The granite’s texture is on the grainier side, reflecting a surface that hasn’t seen heavy traffic lately. This offers a tactile reminder of the evolving nature of outdoor routes—there's a feeling of rawness here, a chance to experience the rock with fewer chalk marks and fresh holds uncovered by each ascent. Comparatively, this climb doesn't possess the polished allure of its neighbors on the same wall, but it delivers a distinct flavor for those looking to add variety to their lap count.

For those wanting to lengthen their day, the nearby routes Push to Open and Closed for Lunch provide solid options. These climbs can be linked by setting up a top rope using the top two bolts on Closed for Lunch, cleverly allowing climbers to squeeze an extra pitch onto their agenda. This versatility makes the wall a practical and efficient stop for those managing time or energy on multi-route days.

Approach to the climb is relatively straightforward: situated within the greater Bowman and Emeralds region, just off I-80, the trail delivers easy access through forested stretches peppered with the muted rustle of alpine pines. The area latitude and longitude (39.325, -120.64942) place it in a high-traffic corridor that balances accessibility with the sense of stepping into untamed nature. Climbers are advised to plan their ascents during cooler parts of the day to avoid baking sun exposure on the face, especially in late spring through early fall.

Hydration is critical here; the reflective rock surface retains heat, and while water points are accessible at base camp, it’s essential to bring enough for the climb and approach. Footwear that offers solid edging without sacrificing sensitivity will serve best on the modestly featured holds. For less experienced climbers or those warming up, top roping is a strategic choice, allowing for safer exploration of movement and positions before committing to the lead.

If you’re seeking a training ground that balances relaxed climbing with authentic trad exposure—one that offers practical gear options alongside a taste of the Lake Tahoe climbing spirit—Any Way You Want It holds its ground. Its combination of rock character, protection simplicity, and approachable challenge makes it a valuable addition to the itinerary of trad climbers aiming to knit together a solid day of movement in a spectacular yet unassuming corner of California’s climbing landscape.

Climber Safety

The rock quality leans toward sandy and grainy, so ensure your gear placements are solid before trusting them fully, especially after periods of rain. The ledge offers a genuine rest, but be careful near the tree where loose debris can collect.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length60 feet

Local Tips

Start early in the day to avoid heat buildup on the granite face.

Bring a light rack focusing on fingers to hands sizes for efficient gear placement.

Set up a top rope on Closed for Lunch bolts to extend your climbing options.

Stay hydrated—water sources at the base require carrying enough for the climb and approach.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.8, the climb feels approachable for intermediate trad climbers but nudges towards 5.9 difficulty if leading with full gear due to the crack section above the ledge. There's a modest crux requiring solid technique and rack management that challenges without overwhelming, making it a reliable warm-up or easy day out.

Gear Requirements

A single rack covering finger to hand sizes is sufficient for protection on this climb. The pro placements are straightforward, making it beginner-friendly yet engaging for seasoned climbers. For added safety or lower risk, top roping is a popular option using nearby bolts.

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Tags

fingers
hand crack
layback
single pitch
easy trad
lake tahoe
grainy rock