HomeClimbingBeverly Hills Ninja

Beverly Hills Ninja: A Compact Trad Test in Sierra Eastside

Mammoth Lakes, California United States
crack climbing
single pitch
trad gear
thin crack
bolt anchor
California climbing
Sierra Nevada
Length: 70 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Beverly Hills Ninja
Aspect
South Facing

Beverly Hills Ninja

Trad, TR

Mammoth Lakes, California United States

Overview

"Beverly Hills Ninja offers a focused trad experience on Orange Pillar’s rugged face near Mammoth Lakes. A short but technical 5.10a crack climb that demands precise footwork and delicate protection placements amidst Sierra’s textured granite."

Beverly Hills Ninja: A Compact Trad Test in Sierra Eastside

Beverly Hills Ninja rises boldly on Orange Pillar, inviting climbers into a focused, technical trad challenge amid California's Sierra Eastside wilderness near Mammoth Lakes. This single-pitch route requires precise footwork and steady nerves as it features a left-facing corner that demands attention with every move. The initial section guides you to a solid stance, providing a moment to gather composure before the climbing shifts to thin, delicate crack sequences that put your protection skills to the test. Despite the rock’s less-than-perfect condition, the route offers enough character to entice climbers eyeing a moderately stiff 5.10a PG13 challenge. A trusting hand crack leads to a communal anchor set on a traverse ledge, where the journey’s intensity gently releases.

The character of Beverly Hills Ninja lies in its subtle demands: it's not a route that dazzles with flawless stone, but it rewards thoughtful preparation and patience. The rock has a rough texture, with some loose patches that prompt cleaning or caution. Prior to leading, brushing and thorough inspection—a pro tip here—make all the difference, especially for those flirting with their limits. Gear placements come into play skillfully, as this climb relies on protection that ranges up to two inches, with a reliable bolt anchor waiting at the top.

Beyond the climbing itself, the setting calls for practical planning. The approach through Patricia Bowl and Rock Creek invites you into a calm wilderness where the early season light reflects off the granite, sharpening the shadows in the crack. The route’s modest height means you’re engaged from start to finish without losing focus, making it an excellent way to sharpen crack climbing and pro skills before committing to longer, more remote lines. Ideal footwear with sticky soles, a wire brush for cleaning, and a mental checklist for gear size will set you up for pushing your limits confidently.

Though the rock quality’s rough edges might temper expectations, the mental game here is just as compelling as the physical climbing. Beverly Hills Ninja challenges you in a straightforward way—no extraneous moves, just honest climbing on a route that tests your ability to read subtle features and place delicate pro. Whether you're treating it as a toprope warm-up or sending it with fresh confidence, this route offers a tangible taste of Sierra climbing culture. Pack your rack, sharpen your technique, and prepare for a precise, sensory journey on this lesser-traveled corner of the Sierra Nevada.

Climber Safety

Rock quality here is variable with loose chips; cleaning before climbing is strongly recommended. Pay close attention to gear placements in thin cracks as protection can be sparse and requires keen evaluation before trusting your weight. Avoid climbing in wet conditions, as polished granite becomes dangerously slick.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length70 feet

Local Tips

Brush the crack thoroughly before leading to reduce dirt and loose chips.

Use sticky-soled climbing shoes for optimal friction on polished granite edges.

Place gear carefully in thin cracks; test all placements before trusting.

Plan to toprope first if you're near your redpoint limit to gauge route conditions.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a PG13
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10a PG13 rating speaks to sustained technical moves with a moderately stiff crux on thin cracks that require precise footwork and solid finger strength. Some climbers find the grade a touch soft once the route is cleaned, but the protection challenges and rock condition maintain the route’s respected difficulty in the region.

Gear Requirements

Bring a rack with protection from small to 2-inch cams to cover tricky placements on thin cracks. A wire brush is essential to clear loose rock and improve holds before leading. The anchor is bolted at the top.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Beverly Hills Ninja and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

crack climbing
single pitch
trad gear
thin crack
bolt anchor
California climbing
Sierra Nevada