Tucked within Yosemite National Park’s iconic Tuolumne Meadows, Black Widow stakes its claim as a compact yet memorable two-pitch trad climb on Low Profile Dome. The route offers a satisfying mix of moderate crack work and delicate face moves, inviting climbers into a focused experience that balances technical skill with natural exposure. The first pitch sets the stage with solid 5.7 climbing on knobby rock, navigating cracks that comfortably accept nuts and cams, leading to a gear belay that affords both respite and a connection to the towering granite above.

The second pitch intensifies the adventure, stepping up to 5.9R where careful judgment defines the ascent. Gear becomes increasingly sparse after passing two bolts and a lone piton, requiring climbers to rely on smaller cams and tricams nestled in tight pockets. The moves here are thoughtfully spaced, demanding finesse without overly punishing the lead. Beyond the second bolt, the challenge eases slightly but the protection thins, reminding climbers to stay sharp and deliberate in placing gear.

Black Widow’s 200-foot length stretches across two pitches, offering comfortable stance spots and belay anchors equipped with rap rings for a straightforward descent. The rock is typical Tuolumne granite—solid, coarse, and punctuated with knobs that provide both holds and protection placements. The route’s location in the high country means climbers should expect rapidly changing weather and cool alpine air, especially in early spring and fall.

Visually, the route is framed by sweeping alpine meadows below and rugged peaks beyond, where the wilderness feels expansive yet accessible. The climb’s orientation catches morning sun, making early starts ideal before the afternoon heats the slab. For those plotting their trip, sturdy footwear with sticky rubber is essential for the slabby sections while a rack stocked with nuts, cams up to 3 inches, and a selection of small cams and tricams will cover the protection needs.

Black Widow suits climbers looking to sharpen their trad climbing skills in an environment that remains engaging without pushing into the extremes of Yosemite’s harder walls. It’s an excellent route for those transitioning from sport or single-pitch routes into longer trad climbs, offering the thrill of placing gear in clean rock with a remote wilderness feel. Though rated 5.9 R, the route’s runouts invite cautious climbing, emphasizing control and route-finding.

Approach-wise, access is a straightforward walk from the Tuolumne Meadows campground area, a roughly 25-minute hike on established trails that meander through open meadows and scattered pines. This easy approach means climbers can plan for morning ascents without packing heavy overnight gear, perfect for day trips that combine nature immersion with technical challenge.

In sum, Black Widow stands as a practical choice for climbers craving classic Tuolumne granite, scenic alpine surroundings, and a test of gear placement savvy. This route captures the essence of Yosemite’s high-country trad climbing with enough grit and grace to make it a worthy objective any season the snow has melted and the weather holds steady.