"Set just left of the bolted Machine Gun Jubblies, Bring in the Fembots blends delicate slab moves with strategic trad gear placements. Its slightly runout nature offers a thoughtful challenge to climbers ready for a technical test in Yosemite’s Lower Merced River Canyon."
Bring in the Fembots offers an engaging challenge for climbers seeking a route that balances technical decision-making with moderate difficulty. Positioned just left of the bolted Machine Gun Jubblies, this single-pitch climb stretches about 150 feet along Parkline Slab, inside the formidable Lower Merced River Canyon of Yosemite National Park. The line features a blend of trad and sport protections, inviting climbers to trust their footwork on slick slabs and strategically place gear in seams and corners that seem to breathe with the mountain itself.
From the start, the climb demands a steady eye for subtle details in the rock. The initial face rises to a narrow seam receptive to small offset stoppers—details that many climbers might overlook but prove vital. As you ascend, bolts intermittently offer security, yet the protection is sparse enough to maintain a sense of adventure and require thoughtful placements, especially small cams and stoppers suited for thin cracks and seams.
Moving past the initial bolt, the route angles left toward a small corner system that requires a mix of balance and finesse. This section encourages careful gear placements with small nuts and cams, rewarding climbers who understand how to read the rock's nuances. Continuing upward, the climb opens into a finger crack that demands steady hand jams and technical moves to negotiate a small roof feature before reaching the bolted anchor chains.
Bring in the Fembots has a character that contrasts with its neighbor’s more straightforward bolt ladder. While the rating sits at 5.8-, the runout sections and trickier pro placements mean the route feels more like a mental puzzle than a purely physical test. The climb invites leaders who prefer to engage deeply with their gear and the rock, reminiscent of classic Yosemite slab climbs but with a cleaner line and fewer bolts.
The approach to this line is convenient but requires attention to detail. Climbers typically park near Yosemite Valley and hike into the Lower Merced River Canyon, tracing trails that thread alongside the rushing Merced River. The granite here is polished from decades of use and natural wear, so well-fitted climbing shoes with excellent friction are key. Spring through early fall is the best season to attempt this climb when the weather is stable, and the rock remains dry. Midday climbs grant full sun exposure, warming the slab, but early morning shade provides traction and relief from heat during warm months.
The climb ends at a bolted belay and rappel station, offering a straightforward descent back to the base. Bringing a light rack suited for tight placements, such as small nuts, HB offset stoppers, and cams in finger to smaller hand sizes, will increase efficiency and safety. A few bolts along the route ease the protection burden but don’t eliminate the need for reliable trad gear competency.
With a moderate rating and a beta-rich experience, Bring in the Fembots appeals to trad and sport climbers who enjoy sensitive slab climbing paired with technical gear work. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to expand their Yosemite resume beyond the busier lines while experiencing an intimate dance with vertical granite that challenges both mind and body.
The route’s runout stretches and thin seams for gear demand solid trad experience. Watch for slickness on the polished granite, especially if climbing later in the day when sun exposure heats the slab. Missing key protection placements early can lead to longer falls, so commitment and careful route reading are essential.
Bring sticky climbing shoes optimized for slab grip on polished granite.
Start early to avoid thermal slickness on sun-soaked granite during hotter months.
Focus on spotting small offset cracks early for critical protection placements.
Carry a tapered rack including #6 and #7 cams for backup in wider seams.
This route requires a light rack focused on small finger-sized and smaller cams, HB offset nuts, and precision stoppers. Three bolts protect key sections, but several runout segments demand well-placed traditional gear, especially in small seams before the first bolt and within left-facing corners.
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