Chedda at Rimview Cliffs: An Accessible Sport Climb with Character

Mammoth Lakes, California United States
sport climbing
pocket holds
arete
yellow lichen
single pitch
moderate difficulty
Mammoth Lakes
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Chedda
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Chedda offers a straightforward yet engaging 50-foot sport climb on the Sherwin Plateau, blending crack climbs, pocketed face holds, and a striking arete. Ideal for newcomers or climbers sharpening technical pocket moves, this route provides solid protection and expansive eastern Sierra views."

Chedda at Rimview Cliffs: An Accessible Sport Climb with Character

Chedda offers a concise yet rewarding sport climb situated on the rugged Sherwin Plateau, just above Mammoth Lakes in California's Sierra Eastside. This single-pitch route stretches roughly 50 feet up a compelling face punctuated by a modest crack, leading climbers to a solid ledge that offers a moment to regroup and study the next moves. From there, the path veers onto a pocket-studded face adorned with lively yellow lichen, lending a bit of color and texture to the grey expanse of rock. Attention shifts to the arete beyond, where a balance of technical pocket grips and delicate edge holds challenge both body and mind before reaching the bolted anchor.

The climb’s straightforward rating of 5.8 masks subtle nuances in the movement—there’s a rhythm required when transitioning off the ledge onto the pocketed wall, which demands mindful foot placement and body positioning. The yellow lichen not only marks holds but also gives a tactile distinction that can help guide your holds on an otherwise sparse surface. Protection is entirely reliant on six well-spaced bolts topped by a secure bolted anchor, making it an excellent choice for climbers easing into sport routes or those looking for a quick warm-up with quality rock and clear protection.

Approaching Chedda is manageable via a short hike from the Rimview Cliffs parking area. The terrain is open and mostly exposed to the sun, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water, especially during warm months. The Sherwin Plateau provides expansive views to the east, including peaks and open desert stretching beyond, rewarding climbers with a scenic backdrop as they ascend.

While the short length means the climb can be completed quickly, the technical sequence and natural features call for deliberate movement rather than rushing through. Footwear with good edging capability will serve well on the small footholds, and a chalk bag may offer confidence where pockets get tight.

Chedda fits comfortably into a day of climbing around Mammoth Lakes, ideal for those who want a spirited route without a long commitment. The route’s directness and moderate difficulty make it a solid option for climbers seeking hands-on experience with face and crack transitions amid classic eastern Sierra scenery.

Whether you’re a seasoned climber wanting to sharpen your pocket technique or a sport climbing novice looking for a friendly introduction, Chedda provides a compact taste of the local rock character with safety and style balanced effectively. Planning visits in the cooler months or early in the day can mitigate sun exposure and maximize comfort. Remember to check local conditions before setting out, as weather on the Sherwin Plateau can shift quickly.

Climber Safety

Bolt spacing is consistent, but the ledge at mid-height requires careful positioning—beware of loose debris and ensure secure footing during the crux moves on the pocketed face.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid the midday sun on the exposed Sherwin Plateau.

Wear shoes with precise edging to handle pocket holds effectively.

Bring at least two quickdraws for clipping the bolts efficiently.

Hydrate well before the approach, as shade is minimal along the trail.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 rating fits the climb well, with straightforward moves punctuated by a technical crux transitioning from the ledge to the pocketed wall. This grade feels fair—with some attention needed to body positioning—but generally accessible compared to nearby routes of higher difficulty.

Gear Requirements

The route relies on 6 bolts plus a bolted anchor, making quickdraws essential and placing the emphasis on confident clipping and movement rather than gear placements.

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Tags

sport climbing
pocket holds
arete
yellow lichen
single pitch
moderate difficulty
Mammoth Lakes