Tucked within the rugged expanse of the Lower Merced River Canyon, the Center Route on Parkline Slab reveals a journey that feels touched by time yet demands the full attention of those who seek it. First climbed in 1970, this rarely frequented path invites climbers into a deliberate rhythm of crack climbing interspersed with technical transitions that reward steady focus and solid gear placement. The climb’s four pitches ascend approximately 500 feet, tracing the distinctive line of Parkline Pinnacle’s fortress-like face.

From the start, the initial 100 feet offers a shared approach with Stonequest, a slightly younger route introduced in the late 1980s, where clean cracks challenge fingers and hands before the route veers right to a two-bolt anchor. The second pitch demands command over right-leaning corners and seams, complimented by careful footwork as you step down and traverse twenty feet toward a finger crack that leads upward through widening cracks and pockets of vegetation, growing denser as the route progresses.

The final two pitches wind through a less polished arena of dirty cracks and natural growth, demanding a blend of patience, tactical gear placements, and a willingness to engage with the rock in its rawest form. Protection ranges comfortably to four-inch gear, but climbers should be prepared for placements that require thoughtful evaluation amidst occasional loose debris from the vegetated sections. The mood here is quiet, the traffic light—perfect for those seeking solitude and a connection to Yosemite's less heralded corners.

Approaching Parkline Slab means committing to an immersive escape from Yosemite Valley’s busier crags. The route sits at an accessible latitude of 37.67875, longitude -119.74886—coordinates that lead you to a granite dome shaped by decades of weather and adventure. Expect a steady elevation gain on rock that offers both security and challenge. As the sun hits the slab, shadows carve definition along the cracks, offering shaded relief in the morning and warming light in the afternoon, making spring through early fall the optimal window.

This climb isn’t for the faint-hearted or the casual day-tripper; it calls for traditional trad skills, solid comfort with crack climbing, and a steady nerve. Bringing a well-assembled rack capable of protecting placements up to 4-inch cams is essential, alongside typical Yosemite approach shoes with sticky rubber to tackle the slabby terrain confidently. Hydration is key—while the canyon draws you inward, it doesn’t offer water sources along the route itself.

In sum, Center Route on Parkline Slab is a textured challenge that blends Yosemite’s classic granite character with a lightly trafficked, back-to-basics climbing experience. It rewards those who come prepared, stay attentive, and appreciate the subtle progression of a route that respects the skill and patience of the climber as much as it showcases the timeless call of the rock.