Adventure Collective
HomeClimbingBig Bird

Big Bird: A Crisp 5.9 Sport Climb on Owens River Gorge

Bishop, California USA
sport climb
arete
single pitch
Owens River Gorge
5.9
sun exposure
well protected
summer climbing
Length: 90 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Big Bird
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Big Bird is a single-pitch 5.9 sport climb located on the Lower Gorge in Owens River Gorge near Bishop, California. Starting on easy terrain before picking up on a thrilling arete, it’s a perfect introduction to the clean sandstone walls of the area with solid protection and manageable approach."

Big Bird: A Crisp 5.9 Sport Climb on Owens River Gorge

Big Bird offers a direct and refreshing ascent blending straightforward movement with a touch of challenge on the Upper Owens River Gorge's sandstone cliffs. Beginning along a sandy bench, the route eases you into the climb with two bolts protecting easy terrain that allows your body to dial in before committing. The rock here is solid though the bottom section leans toward the routine, inviting you to steady your rhythm and enjoy the quiet river murmurs below. Once you reach the shelf and turn your attention to the striking arete, the climb uncaps a lively upper segment where pockets and edges provide a playful dance up the wall. It’s a concentrated burst of technical tension balanced with good holds, rewarding precise footwork and steady breathing. At 90 feet and packed into a single pitch, this route serves as a perfect afternoon project for climbers seeking moderate adventure with approachable challenges. The bolted line assures clean protection throughout, anchored by a pair of mussy chains at the summit for a confident finish. Expect sun exposure late morning through early afternoon, so timing your climb in the cooler hours can be smart, especially during summer’s heat. The approach is a short walk over well-marked trails through mixed brush and open dirt paths, putting you at the base within 10 minutes from parking. Whether you are refreshing your confidence on well-graded rock or chasing solid 5.9 movement among the quiet walls of Owens Gorge, Big Bird reliably earns its place on the list without demanding excessive gear or complex beta. Bring your usual sport rack, plenty of water, and a steady mindset to enjoy a clean route that balances easy access with genuine climbing flow. The river below dares you onward, whispering the promise of summer afternoons spent chasing lines that push just enough. This is an ideal line to bridge the gap between beginner sport crags and more committing multi-pitch climbs nearby, delivering a compact, friendly challenge in the Eastern Sierra’s climbing heartland.

Climber Safety

While the route is well-bolted, the sandy bench at the base can feel loose and crumbly; take care when placing your feet before reaching the lower bolts. Mussy anchors require careful clipping and checking before descent. Afternoon heat in summer can increase dehydration risk, so plan accordingly.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length90 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid direct sun on the wall during summer afternoons.

Wear shoes with good edging capability for precise footwork on the arete.

Carry plenty of water, as shade is limited and the desert environment dries quickly.

Approach trails are clear but bring a map or GPS for best navigation if unfamiliar.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating on Big Bird feels accurate with a mostly straightforward start that warms you up before the crux on the upper arete. It doesn’t stretch into the upper limits of 5.9 difficulty, making it an accessible route for those stepping into this grade or seeking a solid warm-up climb in the vicinity. Compared to other Owens River Gorge climbs of similar grade, Big Bird offers stable, well-secured bolts and fewer runouts, giving it a reliable feel for confidence-building.

Gear Requirements

Ten bolts provide straightforward protection along the route’s length with mussy anchors at the top. No additional gear needed beyond a sport climbing rack.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Big Bird and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

sport climb
arete
single pitch
Owens River Gorge
5.9
sun exposure
well protected
summer climbing