Perched on the West Face of Daff Dome, in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows, "Blown Away" stands as a testament to discovery and raw alpine adventure. Named for the fierce winds that greeted its first ascent team, this route carries a spirited challenge that’s equal parts technical edge and timeless beauty. Over five pitches and nearly 500 feet of vertical climbing, the route carves a path through sculpted cracks, roofs, and an exposed arete that dares the climber to feel the mountain’s breath.

The approach places you in one of Yosemite’s most atmospheric high-country alpine zones. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine and granite dust, while broad meadows edge toward the jagged wall. From the trailhead, it’s a moderate trek that sets the tone—calm yet purposeful—before you step onto the granite slab itself.

Pitch one hooks into the West Crack, a classic 5.9 climb that tests your jams and hand techniques. The crack hums with granite’s timeless promise, tight but steadily welcoming. As you push upward, the rhythm sets a solid pace that awakens your focus. Pitch two ascends through a roof to reach an off-width section, then shifts left toward a bolted belay. Here, the grade softens to 5.8, but the physicality deepens—precise footwork combined with the tactical patience required by wider placements.

Pitch three offers a striking transition: a rising traverse along the sheer face woven with bolts for protection, guiding you across the granite’s smooth authority. Ten bolts punctuate this stretch—not merely safety, but markers that trace the subtle path through the wall’s chemistry. Careful navigation is essential; another route, Weenie Roast, crosses below, making adherence to the line crucial. The ledge where you'll rest before the final assault promises space to breathe and assess the climb’s crescendo.

Pitch four approaches the signature feature: an exposed arete that commands both respect and determination. Here, tradition meets boldness as gear and bolts mingle across the hanging dihedral, offering protection through a technical, airy climb. The wind often sweeps this corridor, reminding you of the climb’s name and the raw forces that shape it. The crux is demanding but fair, requiring sharp foot placements and a steady nerve to negotiate the airy exposure.

The final pitch is a satisfying, unhurried romp to the summit, where panoramic views reward the effort. The sky stretches wide, filled with the open wilderness of the Sierra Nevada, the valley etched in the distance, and the quiet pulse of the high country.

For gear, standard trad rack and quickdraws suffice. The bolts are well placed but expect to trust your own pro in key sections, especially on the off-width and arete pitches. The climb’s PG13 rating hints at the occasional runout—engagement and confidence in gear placement are essential.

The climb is best tackled in the summer and early fall when Tuolumne’s high elevations quiet the lingering snow and the weather stabilizes. Approach times vary but plan for 45 minutes to an hour through rolling trails and granite slabs, with GPS coordinates at 37.8795 latitude and -119.41345 longitude guiding your way.

Always stay aware of the winds—gusts can ferry loose debris and add chill to exposed sections. A careful descent involves rappelling from bolted anchors, weaving back down the West Face with keen attention to rope management and foothold security.

"Blown Away" offers an adventure where rock, wind, and altitude converge. It beckons the climber who craves a traditional challenge punctuated by memorable movement and sweeping alpine ambiance. This climb reaches beyond just putting hardware in cracks; it engages the senses and invites you to be part of a moment in Yosemite’s evolving climbing history.